The movie (not 'film') isn't BAD, but there's nothing here to recommend it. There is nothing unexpected; the acting is very 'acterly', the writing is pedestrian, and the directing is a cross between film school aspirant and wannabe indie. This may resonate with some people whose lives are touched by mental health problems, particularly those of a relative. But, the issues reside on a continuum, and the continuum is very broad & very long. The depiction in this little movie is one fictionalized account. I doubt the objectives of this movie include being a banner for mental health issue advocacy, per se, and it shouldn't be celebrated as such. There's no nuance or subtlety here; everything is obvious & superficial.
The sister is flat out unlikeable - irredeemably so. The brother is codependent roadkill for her, except he keeps getting run over again and again. There are some drips of backstory that, I think, are the writer's attempt to mitigate the selfishness & toxicity of the sister. But, there is no softening of he destructive & selfish impact & nature. She does not learn does not get better, which adds to the pervasive frustration for viewers of the brother's futile codependent attempts to control the chaos. We see him fumble away opportunity, as feint as it is, for no good reason.
One take away could be to know when enough is enough. He is not - can not - help her. It serves no good to ruin his own life; he's no good to anyone, if he doesn't take of himself.
Again, as a movie, it's maybe good undergrad wanna go to film school but still considering Social Work school.
Plot summary
In the wake of his father's death, a twenty-something writer sees his dream of moving to Paris put in jeopardy when he's forced to temporarily take in his wildly unpredictable, mentally ill sister.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
August 23, 2021 at 08:14 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Tries hard, mediocre result
Mental illness and effects
It's a very realistic story of how a loved one with mental illness, how it effects of all the family members. Lola K. Did an incredible job as Cindy, the person with mental illness. Her brother has been affected by the issues it brought to their family, often feeling left behind, with no support in his needs as he grew up, complicated relationship with his older sister. Very moving story. Mental health is not talked about or discussed much in our society, glad this shows some of one families story.
tough watch
Scott (Ben Platt) is set to leave his life behind to write his novel and move to Paris. After his father's death, he and his troubled older sister Cindy (Lola Kirke) inherit the family home. He intends to sell it but needs her approval. She's struggling with terrible mental illness and he has struggled with it for most of his life.
This is a difficult watch. Scott can seem selfish and pathetic but it's actually quite understandable. This is a sincere effort. Its sincerity can also be off-putting. It's just a tough watch. It gets frustrating at times. In a way, that has a realism in itself.