Mental health is a touchy topic and one that people often avoid. It’s definitely not one that you tend to see as the main topic of a movie. Or if a character has a mental illness in a film, they’re often portrayed as a trope and a bit to help move the story along. Not the focus of the film, or what a diagnosis might do to a person’s life. That is, until Words on the Bathroom Walls.
Based on the book of the same name by Julia Walton , Words on the Bathroom Walls follows a senior in high school from his diagnosis of mental illness and the effects it has on his life. From his daily battle, his relationship with his family and even what it can mean for his future.
As someone who doesn’t suffer from mental illness, the film gives the viewers a different look from the inside of what it might be like to have a mental illness. How small things can impact your day to day to day life. How it can mean a constant battle and balance of what medicine can do to help or even hurt the patient, and what it can mean to their future.
Words on the Bathroom Walls outwardly looks like it is going to be the typical teen movie with a love story wrapped around a small issue. The reality is, the issue is the focus. Focusing on a real problem that people deal with, and no one talks about. The movie brings it to the forefront invisible issues that people are dealing with in a tactful way.
Words on the Bathroom Walls opens in theaters today. With an important message and a great delivery of the message. It is a movie that families should see together since it will most likely bring up questions. It helps break down stereotypes of mental illness, and may help kids and teens have more empathy towards people they interact who may be struggling.
We sincerely hope a theater opening will get the attention Words on The Bathroom Walls deserves. However, with audiences still hesitant to head into theaters (if they are even open yet), it may not. But, that doesn’t make the movie less worthy of watching when it is available for you to do so – with a good story, great message and one that will age well over time, Words on the The Bathroom Walls will be a movie you want to revisit with your family – just don’t forget to grab a package of tissues before watching the movie.
Overall Rating:
About Words on the Bathroom Walls
WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS tells the story of Adam (Charlie Plummer), who appears to be your typical young adult – a little unkempt with raging hormones and excited about a future pursuing his dream of becoming a chef. Expelled halfway through his senior year, Adam is diagnosed with a mental illness that he keeps secret at his new school. Living in constant fear of being exposed, Adam finds a soulful, comforting connection in Maya (Taylor Russell), an outspoken and fiercely intelligent girl who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition. With the love and support of his newfound romance and family, Adam is hopeful for the very first time that he can see the light and triumph over the challenges that lie ahead. The film also stars Andy Garcia, AnnaSophia Robb, Beth Grant, Devon Bostick, Lobo Sebastian, with Molly Parker and Walton Goggins.