Have you ever wondered how much of what we see is truly authentic—and how much is crafted just to sell a story? That question is front and center in the new Hulu documentary Call Her Alex, about podcast star Alex Cooper. But beyond the glitz and drama, this film offers a surprising lens for anyone navigating complex emotional journeys, including alternative paths to parenthood.

The documentary, as reviewed by Time, is less a revealing portrait and more an infomercial for Alex Cooper’s brand. Instead of peeling back the layers to show the woman behind the microphone, it amplifies her curated image. This stark contrast between perceived identity and constructed persona isn’t just a media phenomenon—it’s relevant to how many of us experience parenthood and fertility struggles today.

The Illusion of Control: When Branding Meets Vulnerability

Why does this matter to those pursuing parenthood through alternative means? Because authenticity often feels like a rare commodity in spaces filled with expectations and societal pressures. Like a celebrity brand, the