We Own This City

FilmDramaHBO Max
Written By Joshua Stanley

Watchability Score

★★★★★★★★★☆☆

We Own This City dives into the murky waters of police corruption in Baltimore, exposing not just the systemic issues but also the mental health struggles tied to it. While it presents a gripping narrative, the depiction of mental health may leave some viewers feeling more hopeless than inspired.

 

Mental Health Guide

♥️♥️♥️🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶

We Own This CitY shines a light on the inner turmoil and struggles of some characters, it often leans heavily toward portraying these issues as inevitable tragic outcomes with no real hope. The high-stakes environment of violence and crime makes it hard to see paths toward recovery or real support systems in play.

 

Potentially Harmful Elements
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  • Characters with mental illness often fight against stereotypes, but some portrayals can come off as simplistic and one-dimensional.

  • Some aspects of mental health are portrayed as simply part of the chaos, lacking depth or realism.

  • Describing self-harm occurs without providing context or support, which can be unsettling.

  • The show implies a dangerous link between mental illness and violence, which can reinforce harmful stereotypes.

  • Certain scenes are intense and may trigger those with past trauma, making it feel overwhelming at times.

  • The series sometimes flirts with romanticizing the chaotic lives of characters without giving weight to their real struggles.

  • Any treatment illustrated is often harsh or cruelly portrayed, reinforcing a negative view of mental health care.

Potentially Helpful Elements
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  • Some characters display symptoms that ring true to real-life experiences, but others veer off course.

  • The show is grim and often lacks a narrative that leans into recovery, suggesting no hope for improvement.

  • While there are glimpses of support systems, they are not handled with enough depth to be truly representative.

  • Few supportive dynamics can be seen; characters often feel isolated rather than uplifted.

  • The series does present a range of identities but fails to explore their mental health journeys in any depth.

  • Characters often feel trapped by the systems around them, lacking agency in their own recovery.

  • No clear resources or educational material is presented, leaving viewers without guidance toward help.

 

Trigger-WarningS

  • Graphic self-harm

  • Violence and police brutality

  • Substance abuse

  • Depictions of suicide

  • Intense explosive scenes

Joshua Stanley

FOUNDER & CEO of LIFESTYLED MARKETING — A filmmaker and photographer by trade, Josh’s focus has always been to communicate clear and compelling stories. As an entrepreneur at heart, his passion is helping new and growing businesses define their brand and build personal connections with their audiences.

https://www.joshuastanley.com
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