Films are known for covering many important subjects through their artistic method of communication. Many films have notably tried to profit off the push on the raw depiction of mental health. However, many come across as tone-deaf as they only depict stereotypical versions of the illnesses.
While fiction films aren’t the most truthful or informative sources to learn about mental illnesses, they certainly help shed light on the subject. Many films focus less on how the character battles or overcomes their illness and more on romanticizing the pain and struggle. There is a difference between artistically telling the story of someone dealing with mental illness and glorifying the characters for this behavior.
These selected films are powerful depictions of these struggles while serving an interesting storyline that doesn’t necessarily just focus on the illness. The great element of these films is that the illness isn’t the entire personality of the character, giving depth to them through interesting plot and characterization. Some of these films are underrated, especially for the Gen-Z audience. This article will serve individuals who might struggle with their mental health or know loved ones who do. These underrated films not only shed light on the matter but also provide catharsis to audiences who can relate or empathize. They fit various styles, themes, aesthetics, and moods. However, all of them include an offbeat element that supports the theme.
1. Short Term 12 (2013) | Drama/Indie
Short Term 12 was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who also directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Just Mercy, and The Glass Castle. The film stars Brie Larson (Grace), LaKeith Stanfield (Marcus), Rami Malek (Nate), Kaitlyn Dever (Jayden), John Gallagher Jr. (Mason), and Stephanie Beatriz (Jessica). The film centers on Grace, a young counselor at a unit for at-risk teens in California. She can keep her cool facade amongst the kids, but as things grow more chaotic in the unit, the past abuses that she faced resurface as struggles that she battles. The arrival of Jayden pushes her to break her own rules and routine because of how much she finds in common with her.
The theme of mental health is prominent in this film as the major characters struggle with their stories of trauma and abuse. As the counselors try to keep things together for the sake of the kids, their mental health is put to the test. The film weaves many complex and humane characters together in raw portrayals of life.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?
The film has a raw portrayal of mental illness after past trauma that feels raw and real. The film’s genre as an indie supports this narrative well, as it doesn’t try to glamorize anything. Its appeal comes from the script and the acting. By serving these elements nakedly, it becomes easier to trust in it as an audience. The acting of Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., LaKeith Stanfield, and Kaitlyn Dever, really carry the story. The story and script wouldn’t have been done justice if the actors weren’t willing to go to great depths to portray the story. The film’s plot is interwoven with different characters who share struggles and who slowly reveal their issues throughout the film. The unraveling of the plot keeps it interesting, as its appeal comes from the story mainly.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is where Mason and Grace, who are in a relationship, are bonding and making out on their couch. But things go south when Grace is triggered by the sexual abuse in her past. This scene explains the relationship and significance of Grace to the kids in the unit. She shares trauma and issues just as much as they do. At the beginning of the film, the cinematography helps us establish that she is in control of the chaos and she is flexible around the children’s needs. However, we find out that she has her battles in her personal life, which allows for a closer connection to her. This plot section is prevalent to many caretakers whose professions are to help people like themselves.
In-depth
Another memorable moment includes when Marcus asks Grace to shave his head for his eighteenth birthday. We find out that Marcus’ mother used to hit him in the head. He was worried about his scalp having bumps and being lumpy. The little intimate moments in the film are what make it so special. As Marcus breaks down, he is lovingly supported by Grace and Mason. The cinematography manages to capture the delicate nature of the film through its “frame-in-a-frame” wide shot and its very close close-ups. It allows for the characters’ emotions to be blossomed. Overall, the film is extremely powerful and delicate and deserves more recognition for its cast and script.
2) Melancholia (2011) | Sci-fi/Fantasy
Melancholia was directed by Lars von Trier, who also directed the Nymphomaniac films, The House That Jack Built, and Antichrist. The films stars Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Kiefer Sutherland, Stellan Skarsgård, and Charlotte Rampling. The film centers on Justine, a newlywed wife who is plagued by her depression and suffers from the lack of care from those around her. Meanwhile, a planet is on the verge of colliding with Earth. The film shows the point of view of Justine, in contrast to her uptight and put-together sister, Claire. As they are both faced with this ultimate doom, their behaviors drive them apart.
The film is built upon this immense depression or melancholia that takes off Justine. Even as she fights to remain happy, her mental illness takes over and paralyzes her from the people around her. The film’s cinematography, editing, and acting brings the story together. The slow-motion shots are artistic and poetic as they are accompanied by heavy classical music.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?
The film’s cinematography manages to portray depression in the most artistic and visually interesting way a film can. The introduction of the films allows the viewer to understand the atmosphere and mood of the film. It also allows us to understand how deep the depression is and how the state of melancholia can feel like time slowing down.
The film also has a powerful color palette and set design. The setting takes place in grand atmospheres to show the status of the family but also to create another element as well. The element of loneliness takes place as well as Justine is overtaken by her depression and is often isolated for it. The colors can achieve the mood and the set design. The pacing of the film is very quick-moving, but the overall plot is simple. This allows for the details of the script to show through. It also allows for realistic portrayals to shine through.
In-depth
The film manages to tell a powerful story as depression oftentimes numbs people out completely, and they become indifferent to the chaos around them. This is quite clear with Justine, as she doesn’t care about the end of the world. In comparison, her sister is the opposite and is filled with anxiety and even OCD. Mental health is more complex in reality, and it would be impossible to pin a disorder against another. However, the personified version of these illnesses is sisters. They oppose each other constantly throughout the film. It becomes hard to see how they are related at all, however, they both seem to suffer in their ways.
The ending of the film is melancholic itself as the end of the film is the world ending. Justine remained indifferent throughout the entire film, even celebrating the end as she started to find moments where she appreciated life a bit. Even some moments are either hallucinations or her discovery of the beauty of the world. However, it seems that as they sit in their circle of protection, Justine starts to feel sadness for the end. This stands out as the entire film she fought to get through life.
The film is sad in all possible ways, but it shows the realism of mental health and how it isn’t always overcome. Many learn to live with it, and many, like Justine, only appreciate it when death is near. Overall, the film is an emotional and important film about melancholia. It manages to tell the story primarily through its visuals, which is often best for certain difficult subjects.
3) Shiva Baby(2020) | Comedy/Drama
Shiva Baby was directed by Emma Seligman, who also directed Bottoms. The film stars Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, Danny Deferrari, Poly Draper, Fred Melamed, and Jackie Hoffman as the lead cast. The film centers on a young Jewish woman, Danielle, who is at her family’s funeral service but struggles to maintain her composure when her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend attend. The film shows the chaos that unfolds at the shiva and the massive amount of anxiety that is brought on by all of her overwhelming family members.
The theme of mental health, while not strictly spoken, is implied as the entire conflict is the internal struggle that Danielle struggles with due to the external. The editing and cinematography carry the tone of the film which is overstimulation and chaos. The film is a portrayal of heightened anxiety that can occur in uncomfortable situations where loved ones find out their secrets. The film twists comedy into its dramatic elements.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?
The rough strings match the cinematography style of slow zoom-ins and shaky handheld shots. Through these elements, we can find the anxiety that Danielle is suffering from throughout the whole event. The tone is almost horror-like of quick moving cuts, mixture of shots, and music. The blurry out-of-focus shots show the daze and confusion of Danielle well. The quick close-up reactions allow for movement and interest, drawing the viewer to the conversation.
The acting of Rachel Sennott and Molly Gordon carries the film by developing the characters. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it draws the viewer into the gossip even more. We start to root for their relationship to recover, which is strengthened by the acting. The overall plot is extremely comedic and feels natural. The layering of sound to show the overstimulation is extremely hilarious which supports the drama. The comedy comes from the wider shots, showing how they forget the people around them as they are together. This provides an interesting comparison to how people’s opinions seem to irritate Danielle and eat at her.
In-depth
The kiss between Danielle and Maya is one of the most memorable movements of the film, as some satisfaction is finally given to Danielle. It manages to portray the tenderness and desire of love no matter its depth. It shows some light among the miserable experiences of Danielle.
The film is honest and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The script manages to create a real atmosphere due to its natural dialogues. Overall, the film is extremely likable and grows on you as it continues. The coming-of-age element is expressed throughout.
4) Garden State (2004) | Comedy/Romance
Garden State was directed and stars Zach Braff, who also directed A Good Person. The film stars, in addition to Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Jean Smart, and Jim Parsons. The film centers on an actor named Andrew, who returns to his small hometown to attend his mother’s funeral.
While struggling to battle depression, he comes across old friends and acquaintances who cause him to reminisce on his past life. While struggling to cope with a trauma in his past, he comes across Sam, a spirited young woman. While she first seems quirky and odd, her bubbly personality wins his heart.
The film is cathartic and through its visuals, it hints at the struggles of depression by making subtle artistic choices. The script blossoms through the dialogue and iconic messages. It teaches real-life lessons and the beauty behind human connection.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?
The iconic dialogue and quirky characters carry the film into its style. Its delicate moments entrap you into the world and make you want to be with the characters. The self-discovery and growth of Andrew make it easy to connect with him and hope for his recovery. The dynamic relationships give the satisfaction that is needed. The catchy soundtrack supports the visuals in a gentle and respectful. Nothing is dramatized and is rather regarded as important or meaningful. The vision of Zach Braff, who wrote, directed, and starred in it, feels personal. The plot of dealing with depression does not feel artificial or overdone.
The visuals of the color and slow-motion shots, really piece the film together. The strong direction of the film is carried through these elements and tries to evoke an emotion that is hard to explain through dialogue. The empty feeling but also the discovery of love is depicted through these choices.
In-depth
The film has many great scenes, but one that stands out is when Andrew explains the desire to be home when you don’t have one. Andrew mentions in one of the scenes at the end that he doesn’t feel at home in his home. His connection with Sam grows, and as they linger in a hug, he mentions that he feels safe in her arms. The desire for human connection is innate, regardless of mental illness.
While Andrew is depressed, he finds that it is important for him to move past his difficult childhood and accept what occurred. Trusting himself to open up heals him. Overall, the film has many memorable moments that bring to life the struggle of untreated illnesses that linger through life.
5) Little Miss Sunshine (2006) | Comedy/Drama
Little Miss Sunshine was directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, who both directed Ruby Sparks and Battles of the Sexes. The film stars Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, and Greg Kinnear. The film centers on a family that represents dysfunctional families by having many bright personalities that clash with each other. The plot goes that Olive, the youngest child in the family, wants to be a beauty pageant called the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. However, things go south, and obstacles try to bring them down.
The film shows the heartbreak of family members who go through things without support as many of the characters struggle with their issues and keep quiet about them. The film has a beautiful and unique mood that hasn’t been recreated since. The charm of the film is one of its strong suits and makes the film that much more special.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?
The film’s aesthetic makes it a pleasure to watch as the quirky personalities flourish at their best. The likable characters are brought to life by the wonderful acting, which sets the tone even better. The chemistry is undeniable and it truly shows the power of a good family. The film’s plot manages to show the mundane as extremely exciting. The growth of Olive is undeniable and is appreciated very much. Her growth in confidence is portrayed well by Abigail Breslin.
The chemistry between the actors is apparent through the character’s dynamic qualities. It is impressive how well their personalities work together, and they truly bring the family impression to the screen. This is extremely important as the story centers on the family.
This film has moments of drama and humor intertwined, but where it flourishes is its character development. The father, Richard, starts as this guy who wants to have the perfect life and pressures it onto his family members. He is a motivational speaker, so he sees the world in black and white. This is split between winners and losers. Olive has dreams of being on TV as Miss Sunshine but struggles to find her confidence. The brother, Dwayne, has decided to remain mute until he achieves his dream of being a pilot. This is encouraged by the father, Richard, who has the strong mindset of being a winner.
In-depth
While everyone in the film has their internal battles, regardless of age, they come together and use their dysfunctionality to love each other. The film is heartwarming while depicting serious issues. Olive begins to build a bad body image for a good majority of the film. She becomes more insecure when her father shames her and says that it is better to be skinny than fat. We see throughout the film how that affects Olive. Dwayne, who has dedicated his life to being a pilot through his commitment to remaining mute, finds out that he is color blind and, therefore, cannot be one. Frank, the uncle, tried to commit suicide and was recently released from the hospital. His bandages are still wrapped around his wrists in the film.
The film deals with serious struggles with mental health while bringing a wholesome and hopeful direction with the message. Overall, the film is a joy to watch with relatable and cathartic moments and extremely likable characters.
Final Takeaway
While many films claim to support mental health, they tend to go beyond representation. These chosen films manage to artistically portray mental health without romanticizing them. Films are meant to provide catharsis for those who relate to the subjects. These films manage to achieve that!
