Words on Bathroom Walls (2020)

Words on Bathroom Walls Poster

Diagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.

Overview
"Words on Bathroom Walls" is a poignant 2020 drama film directed by Thor Freudenthal. The movie is based upon the captivating young adult novel of the very same name by Julia Walton. The film depicts the engaging life story of Adam Petrizelli, a high school student who is detected with schizophrenia.

Plot
Adam Petrizelli is a bright, Rome-inspired culinary enthusiast browsing senior year of high school. However, his life takes a disquieting turn when he is diagnosed with schizophrenia after experiencing a mental breakdown at school activated by hallucinations. Instead of let this derail his dreams, he is figured out to keep his condition a secret and set on realizing his dream of participating in culinary school. To manage his condition and pursue his dreams, Adam transfers schools and starts taking a speculative drug.

Characters
Adam is played by Charlie Plummer, who expertly navigates the intricate character and the difficulties Adam experiences due to his condition. Adam's mom, Beth, represented by Molly Parker, embodies a fiercely supportive and protective parent attempting to comprehend her boy's mental health battles. Taylor Russell plays Maya Arnez, the school's valedictorian, who starts tutoring Adam and becomes his confidant and ultimately, love interest. Other considerable characters consist of Beth's boyfriend, Paul, played by Walton Goggins, and Adam's supportive, yet imaginary friends produced by his mind - Rebecca, Joaquin, and The Bodyguard, who represent various elements of his personality.

Secret Themes
"Words on Bathroom Walls" tactfully addresses mental health, specifically schizophrenia, a subject that is typically misunderstood or misrepresented. The film's representation of Adam's specific experiences with his condition, rather than a generalized representation of schizophrenia, renders it more relatable, genuine, and respectful. Adam's hallucinations (his 'pals') are personifications of aspects of himself. They comfort, encourage, mock, and safeguard him, visually representing his internal battle.

Reception and Impact
The film delivers a sensible portrayal of mental illness, as it explores the often neglected struggles that people who are detected with schizophrenia experience, both difficult and heartwarming moments. Director Thor Freudenthal's movie provides a visually engaging representation of schizophrenia and makes a considerable contribution to dismantling stigmas connected with mental health.

Conclusion
Eventually, "Words on Bathroom Walls" is an effective expedition of living with mental illness, intending to deepen the understanding and awareness of schizophrenia. Through Adam's journey, the film depicts not just the powerful battles of coping with such a condition but likewise the strength, strength, and hope that can emerge. The characters' depth, poignant storytelling, and inspiring subplots culminate in a commendable representation of psychological health for a young audience, making a big leap in raising understanding and compassion towards people who experience psychological health concerns.

Top Cast

  • Charlie Plummer (small)
    Charlie Plummer
    Adam
  • Molly Parker (small)
    Molly Parker
    Beth
  • Walton Goggins (small)
    Walton Goggins
    Paul
  • Andy García (small)
    Andy García
    Father Patrick
  • Taylor Russell (small)
    Taylor Russell
    Maya
  • AnnaSophia Robb (small)
    AnnaSophia Robb
    Rebecca
  • Beth Grant (small)
    Beth Grant
    Sister Catherine
  • Devon Bostick (small)
    Devon Bostick
    Joaquin
  • Lobo Sebastian (small)
    Lobo Sebastian
    Bodyguard
  • Aaron Dominguez (small)
    Aaron Dominguez
    Todd
  • Reinaldo Faberlle
    Manuel