It’s been two years since we first wrote about the film The Mask You Live In. And while so many of you were itching to see the movie after watching its compelling trailer, it wasn’t attainable outside of film festivals and one-off screenings. Thankfully, the flick is now on Netflix, and let us tell you, it’s an absolute must-watch.

Whether you’re raising a boy or girl (or have no kids at all), the sobering facts surrounding male children and young men are something we should all know. Higher suicide rates, incarceration rates, drop-out rates, and the like, are not on boys’ sides. The psychologists, counselors, authors, and researchers featured in the film point to the “mask” society has asked boys to wear as largely at fault. The film reiterates that asking boys to “man up” and “be a man,” rejecting any signs of vulnerability (including crying) and not establishing intimate emotional relationships with their peers, in order to fit into the “man box,” leads to anger, sadness, and a stifled freedom with no healthy outlet.

The role that parents, mentors, coaches, and friends can play to help redefine masculinity for the next generation is imperative. Step 1: Get educated on it all by watching this film! And, while you’re at it, the film’s female counterpart, Miss Representation (also produced by the Representation Project), should also be in your queue. See both trailers below.