
Mental Health
Reviews
Lady Bird
While Lady Bird largely shines in its authentic storytelling, it falls a bit short in its portrayal of mental health. While it touches on themes of identity and familial pressure, it doesn't delve deeply into mental health issues or provide substantial resources for those who might relate to the characters’ struggles.
The Godfather
The Godfather is iconic. The moments of intense family loyalty and betrayal make for a gripping narrative, but when it comes to how it handles mental health, it's not quite as stellar.
Inception
While the film is undeniably a masterpiece in storytelling and visuals, its approach to mental health elements falls short in a few spots. The movie dives deep into the subconscious and explores themes of loss and guilt, but it doesn’t handle mental health with the respect and complexity it deserves.
The Punisher
The Punisher is a mixed bag. There’s a lot going on under the surface that digs into deep emotional themes, but it also falls prey to some harmful elements, particularly through its depiction of violence and trauma. It's intriguing yet troubling how it portrays mental illness, often linking it to aggression, which could unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Arrival
While Arrival primarily leans into sci-fi, it offers a fascinating exploration of time that reflects on how we process grief and memory. The film delicately navigates emotional landscapes, drawing viewers into the complexities of human experiences without stigmatizing mental illness.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve sometimes indulges in harmful stereotypes and sensationalized violence, but it also showcases a recovery narrative, complicated emotions, and the impact of relationships on mental well-being.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club does an admirable job of highlighting teenage angst and the various pressures young people face. The film takes us inside the minds of its characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities without turning them into caricatures.
Green Book
Green Book does a decent job of showing the complexities of human relationships and the struggles we face, but it falls short when it comes to deeply diving into mental health narratives.
The King of Staten Island
The film touches on themes of grief, anxiety, and the pressures of adulthood, but it does so through a lens of comedy. While some may argue that this approach trivializes the struggles faced by those dealing with mental health, it’s important to appreciate the way Davidson uses humor to cope and connect.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs takes the classic Groundhog Day trope and spins it into a fun, thought-provoking film with plenty of laughs and a touch of existential reflection. While it touches on some mental health themes, it primarily uses them as a tool for storytelling rather than diving deep into the issues themselves.
Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty is a gripping thriller that dives deep into the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, showcasing incredible storytelling and intense direction. While it nails the suspenseful narrative, its portrayal of mental health doesn’t really hit the mark.
Abstract: The Art of Design
Abstract: The Art of Design is a visually stunning anthology series that dives deep into the creative minds of designers across different fields.
Two Distant Strangers
Two Distant Strangers is a powerful short film that challenges the way we think about social justice and systemic racism in America. While it’s an eye-opening experience that packs an emotional punch, it touches very lightly on mental health themes.