8/10 - a pleasant and surprisingly emotional look at life with schizophrenia is aided by strong acting performances and a production team that clearly cares about the film
129 Reviews
Words on Bathroom Walls
JoBloTheMovieCritic5 January 2021
a new way of looking at it
ferguson-621 August 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. Very little outside 'the norm' is required for teenagers to ostracize one of their own. Sometimes it's a haircut or a brand of shoes, or even some other minor detail that sets them apart. But when it's a mental illness, the tribe can be merciless. Director Thor Freudenthal (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, 2010) takes on Julia Walton's 2017 novel, with a screenplay from Nick Naveda. The film features two rising young stars and addresses some of the challenges brought on by the uncertainties associated with a mental illness.
Charlie Plummer (so terrific in LEAN ON PETE, 2018) stars as Adam, a high school senior who has dealt with the challenges of undiagnosed mental health issues since he was quite young. His father abandoned the family years ago, and Adam's devoted mother (Molly Parker, "House of Cards") is not only patient and loving, but also committed to researching any possible treatment that would lead Adam to a better life. On the other hand, Adam and his mother's new live-in lover Paul (Walton Goggins) don't exactly see eye-to-eye on things, leading to more anxiety for Adam.
In an interesting and unique approach, director Freudenthal allows us to not only hear the voices Adam hears, but also see the hallucinations and visions he sees - three of whom are Rebecca (AnnaSophia Robb, THE WAY WAY BACK), a sweet, hippie-ish optimist; The Bodyguard (Lobo Sebastian), a cigar-chomping, bat swinging he-man; and Joaquin (Devon Bostick), an inappropriately horny 'best friend from a 90's move." On top of that, there is a black mist that periodically manifests, enveloping Adam and bringing on crippling fear and isolation. After a years-long stream of drug therapy, Adam is pronounced "treatment resistant" and diagnosed as schizophrenic. Adam's only mind-calming escape is when he's cooking. He knows his way around the kitchen and his goal is to attend Culinary School after graduation.
One day, Adam has a psychotic break during Chemistry class. He gets expelled, which jeopardizes his Culinary School dream. His mother gets him admitted to a Catholic School run by Sister Catherine (Beth Grant) at the same time he is accepted into an experimental drug trial. He's allowed to stay in school as long as he takes his meds and maintains his grades. It's here where he meets the dynamic Maya (Taylor Russell (WAVES, 2019). Maya is smart and ambitious and proud, and the two quickly form a bond - an interesting bond between two smart high school kids carrying their own burdens and holding their own secrets.
Sister Catherine is balancing the specific needs of Adam with her responsibility to the school, and then there is also prom and graduation to deal with. With the new drug, the voices and visions disappear, but Adam has some issues with the side effects. A desperate plea for help from Father Patrick (Andy Garcia), the school priest, provides a boost as Adam tells him, "It's nice to be listened to and not just observed." That line provides significant insight into what it's like to have this affliction, and that's really where the movie excels ... putting us in the shoes of a schizophrenic and allowing us to experience the good and bad moments. What can Adam trust? His eyes? His ears? His mind?
Adam and Maya are both trying to figure out who they are, at the same time learning what it really means to love someone. Adam refers to his illness as his "burgeoning insanity", and in fact, schizophrenia does have a history of accelerating over time once it strikes a young person. The movie succeeds in taking away some of the mystique of mental illness, by making it approachable and something we want to better understand. There is a visual reference to Van Gogh's "Starry Night" that might be a bit too "nail on the head", but Freudenthal's movie is profound and features two very talented young actors. The humanity beneath the surface of those society would rather pretend don't exist is effectively compared to those stricken with cancer ... those we would do anything for. I watched this film back-to-back with another teen-drama-romance new release entitled CHEMICAL HEARTS, and it's extremely rare to find two such thought-provoking films centered on a pair of high school students ... but quite a treat (although I believe all 4 actors are long past high school age).
Charlie Plummer (so terrific in LEAN ON PETE, 2018) stars as Adam, a high school senior who has dealt with the challenges of undiagnosed mental health issues since he was quite young. His father abandoned the family years ago, and Adam's devoted mother (Molly Parker, "House of Cards") is not only patient and loving, but also committed to researching any possible treatment that would lead Adam to a better life. On the other hand, Adam and his mother's new live-in lover Paul (Walton Goggins) don't exactly see eye-to-eye on things, leading to more anxiety for Adam.
In an interesting and unique approach, director Freudenthal allows us to not only hear the voices Adam hears, but also see the hallucinations and visions he sees - three of whom are Rebecca (AnnaSophia Robb, THE WAY WAY BACK), a sweet, hippie-ish optimist; The Bodyguard (Lobo Sebastian), a cigar-chomping, bat swinging he-man; and Joaquin (Devon Bostick), an inappropriately horny 'best friend from a 90's move." On top of that, there is a black mist that periodically manifests, enveloping Adam and bringing on crippling fear and isolation. After a years-long stream of drug therapy, Adam is pronounced "treatment resistant" and diagnosed as schizophrenic. Adam's only mind-calming escape is when he's cooking. He knows his way around the kitchen and his goal is to attend Culinary School after graduation.
One day, Adam has a psychotic break during Chemistry class. He gets expelled, which jeopardizes his Culinary School dream. His mother gets him admitted to a Catholic School run by Sister Catherine (Beth Grant) at the same time he is accepted into an experimental drug trial. He's allowed to stay in school as long as he takes his meds and maintains his grades. It's here where he meets the dynamic Maya (Taylor Russell (WAVES, 2019). Maya is smart and ambitious and proud, and the two quickly form a bond - an interesting bond between two smart high school kids carrying their own burdens and holding their own secrets.
Sister Catherine is balancing the specific needs of Adam with her responsibility to the school, and then there is also prom and graduation to deal with. With the new drug, the voices and visions disappear, but Adam has some issues with the side effects. A desperate plea for help from Father Patrick (Andy Garcia), the school priest, provides a boost as Adam tells him, "It's nice to be listened to and not just observed." That line provides significant insight into what it's like to have this affliction, and that's really where the movie excels ... putting us in the shoes of a schizophrenic and allowing us to experience the good and bad moments. What can Adam trust? His eyes? His ears? His mind?
Adam and Maya are both trying to figure out who they are, at the same time learning what it really means to love someone. Adam refers to his illness as his "burgeoning insanity", and in fact, schizophrenia does have a history of accelerating over time once it strikes a young person. The movie succeeds in taking away some of the mystique of mental illness, by making it approachable and something we want to better understand. There is a visual reference to Van Gogh's "Starry Night" that might be a bit too "nail on the head", but Freudenthal's movie is profound and features two very talented young actors. The humanity beneath the surface of those society would rather pretend don't exist is effectively compared to those stricken with cancer ... those we would do anything for. I watched this film back-to-back with another teen-drama-romance new release entitled CHEMICAL HEARTS, and it's extremely rare to find two such thought-provoking films centered on a pair of high school students ... but quite a treat (although I believe all 4 actors are long past high school age).
This was SO worth the wait!
kimmeea1324 August 2020
My daughter and I went on our first trip back to the movie theater yesterday for this movie. We had seen the trailer online and were waiting for the chance to see it on the big screen. We were not disappointed. I loved the character of Adam, who is trying his hardest to keep his sanity. I can't speak to the portrayal of schizophrenia and whether or not it's accurate, but it sure was sobering. The characters felt real and sympathetic, even though there were some cliches that I saw coming from a mile away. Yes, it ties everything up in a nice neat little bow at the end, but that's Hollywood. There was a ton of wisdom in this movie about accepting yourself, flaws and all, as well as accepting other people in the same way. I have to say that I think Andy Garcia was my favorite, although Charlie Plummer is a very close second. Go see it. You won't be sorry.
Better than expected!
BandSAboutMovies6 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
With Hotel for Dogs, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Thor Freudenthal established himself as a strong director for effects-driven kid movies. Now, Words On Bathroom Walls takes his verve for imaginative effects and applies them to a story for older teens and young adults.
Based on the novel of the same name by Julia Walton, this is the story of Adam Petrizelli (Charlie Plummer), a schizophrenic student trying to make it through life.
Expelled halfway through his senior year following a psychotic break while in chemistry class, Adam is diagnosed with a mental illness and sent to a Catholic academy to finish out his term. He knows that he won't fit in and just hopes that he can keep his illness a secret and make it to culinary school while avoiding his mother's new boyfriend Paul (the always great Walton Goggins).
The film does an admirable job of translating Adam's mental illness via special effects and personifying the voices within his head. He worries that his life will always be one of hiding until he meets Maya (Taylor Russell), who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.
Lobo Sebastian, who plays the Bodyguard inside Adam's visions, was also in Ghosts of Mars and played Lil Joker in Next Friday. Plus, it's always great to see Andy Garcia in films, here as a priest who helps our protagonist.
Based on the novel of the same name by Julia Walton, this is the story of Adam Petrizelli (Charlie Plummer), a schizophrenic student trying to make it through life.
Expelled halfway through his senior year following a psychotic break while in chemistry class, Adam is diagnosed with a mental illness and sent to a Catholic academy to finish out his term. He knows that he won't fit in and just hopes that he can keep his illness a secret and make it to culinary school while avoiding his mother's new boyfriend Paul (the always great Walton Goggins).
The film does an admirable job of translating Adam's mental illness via special effects and personifying the voices within his head. He worries that his life will always be one of hiding until he meets Maya (Taylor Russell), who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.
Lobo Sebastian, who plays the Bodyguard inside Adam's visions, was also in Ghosts of Mars and played Lil Joker in Next Friday. Plus, it's always great to see Andy Garcia in films, here as a priest who helps our protagonist.
My son with mental illness asked me to watch this
dperlis23 July 2022
Never mind cinematography. Never mind budget. Never mind acting. My teenage son with mental illness asked me to watch this, so I did. Afterwards I asked him .."is this you?" and he said yes.
So take this review any way you want. According to a 16 yo with mental illness, it is an accurate portrayal of his every day struggle to fit into this world.
So take this review any way you want. According to a 16 yo with mental illness, it is an accurate portrayal of his every day struggle to fit into this world.
good performance
SnoopyStyle21 January 2021
High school senior Adam Petrazelli (Charlie Plummer) loves cooking but he starts hallucinating. After an incident, he is diagnosed with schizophrenia. His mother Beth (Molly Parker) puts him on an experimental drug. Her boyfriend Paul (Walton Goggins) wants to put him in an institution. Instead, he's sent to a private Catholic school run by Sister Catherine (Beth Grant) where he's befriended by brilliant classmate Maya Arnez (Taylor Russell). He hides his situation from her. His medicine is interfering with his cooking. He does find relieve confessing to Father Patrick (Andy García).
Plummer is a terrific young actor and this role fits him very neatly. Sometimes, this movie has a dark tone which reminds me of Donnie Darko. Other times, it's a slightly lighter teen romance. My main issue is his hallucinations. They could do more with those although I also want them to view the story from Beth and Maya's point of views at times which would require the elimination of the hallucinations. All in all, it's a compelling portrait of mental illness.
Plummer is a terrific young actor and this role fits him very neatly. Sometimes, this movie has a dark tone which reminds me of Donnie Darko. Other times, it's a slightly lighter teen romance. My main issue is his hallucinations. They could do more with those although I also want them to view the story from Beth and Maya's point of views at times which would require the elimination of the hallucinations. All in all, it's a compelling portrait of mental illness.
WHY?
LoverOfFilmsAndMusic18 April 2021
WHO made this???? I did NOT watch this to cry but guess what, flood of tears. I LOVED the entire cast & that's a rare one for me. I have snot dripping as I write this, I watch MOSTLY horror films, I HATE romantic films but you won me over, THANK YOU for this.
just watched it
joudalattas29 June 2021
Excellent movie that hit home for me
dlmiley30 November 2020
This is a drama about a teenager diagnosed with schizophrenia and his efforts to hide it from a potential girlfriend. No, it is not as maudlin as that sounds, it is very well acted by Charlie Plummer with a good supporting cast including Andy Garcia, Taylor Russell, and Beth Grant. It is fairly realistic portrayal of mental illness and how difficult of a time care givers have dealing with the sufferer. They also show the character being given different drugs that either fail or have terrible side effects. The problem with mental illness is that is so difficult to get measurable results - that is, if your BP is 145/90 and the doctor gives you a pill and is now 120/80 the pill is working. It is not so clear with treating mental illness. And there is a quote (I'm paraphrasing) that really hit home for me: "if I had cancer, people would run to help me but if I have mental illness they would run away". I know from personal experience that this line is very true as a close personal friend suffering from mental illness said something eerily similar. Of course there are "Hollywood" touches and clichés but I recommend that you see it.
Teenager learns to cope with his schizophrenia.
TxMike20 December 2020
Curious title, it refers to both real words written on school bathroom walls, and even more the imaginary words he sees when he had bouts with his mental illness.
Based on the cast I figured this would be another mainly generic teenage rom-com. But it is just the opposite. While Adam (Charlie Plummer) starts a relationship with the bright girl in class after he asks her to tutor him, the story is overwhelmingly about Adam, and his family, and ultimately his school coming to grips with his schizophrenia.
Plummer is required to really stretch his acting chops and he does it well. The middle third of the movie is hard to watch at times but fortunately the final third starts to bring some healing.
Good movie, my wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
Based on the cast I figured this would be another mainly generic teenage rom-com. But it is just the opposite. While Adam (Charlie Plummer) starts a relationship with the bright girl in class after he asks her to tutor him, the story is overwhelmingly about Adam, and his family, and ultimately his school coming to grips with his schizophrenia.
Plummer is required to really stretch his acting chops and he does it well. The middle third of the movie is hard to watch at times but fortunately the final third starts to bring some healing.
Good movie, my wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
GOOD ROMANTIC/COMEDY
andreascaloni24 March 2021
Diagnosed with a mental illness during 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. Words on Bathroom Walls is well acted, solidly directed and sensitive. But in the final act it falls into a standard teen movie structure. However the movie delivers a powerful message that people are not defined by their limits or their struggles.
Rating: 7,2.
Rating: 7,2.
GO WATCH THIS
ewaswiton6 February 2021
I turned this on because I had nothing better to watch and I couldn't sleep. I was expecting a shallow drama with a romantic plot but OH GOD IT WAS BRILLIANT!
Acting of the main character who is dealing with schizophrenia was really on point! I thought this will be a movie to easily go to sleep during watching it, but instead it was a movie on which I cried my eyes out. Definitely recommend!
Mental illness makes its way to feelgood teen movies
daliaabdelhameed-4033528 April 2021
This movie is not a bad one if you just want an easy but not stupid watch. It's one of those teen dramas with all the expected elements of a broken family, an inner struggle, sickness and poverty. Yet those elements are kind of sanitized and beautified (Hollywood kind of sanitization). That's being said, it is refreshing to see serious mental illness being discussed in this movie genre. Acting was above average with a special appearance for Andy Garcia. The music was also enjoyable.
One particular thing I like about this film is the visual metaphor of schizophrenia as a black pigmentation bleeding into one's life. This smart metaphor was able to convey the altered mental state the protagonist gets pulled into and his loss of touch with reality.
One particular thing I like about this film is the visual metaphor of schizophrenia as a black pigmentation bleeding into one's life. This smart metaphor was able to convey the altered mental state the protagonist gets pulled into and his loss of touch with reality.
Eh even if you read the book
djmasteryoda3 February 2021
There's plenty of plot holes, inaccurate representation of mental illness, and almost no character development. Even if you look past the cringey edginess of high schoolers being dramatic, it's just not even a fun watch. It's just.. eh
Decent Coming of Age Film, Great Mental Illness Film
austinbmoney22 September 2020
I ended up seeing this film over the weekend, not knowing what to expect, as it is one of the few films that I have gone to see without actually seeing the trailer for it prior, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Words on Bathroom Walls is about a boy, Adam, who gets kicked out of his school for wild behavior, and is diagnosed with schizophrenia shortly after that. He transfers to a Cathlolic school and meets a girl, Maya, who helps him out with school work, and also becomes quite close with him. Throughout the film, Adam tries to maintain a relationship with Maya, while also trying to keep his schizophrenia a secret from her, and has to overcome many other challenges along the way.
This film, based on the book that goes by the same name, does a fantastic job at accurately depicting schizophrenia, and all of the complications that come along with it. The film puts the viewers inside of Adam's head for much of the movie, and shows them everything that he hears and sees because of the disease, and really makes the audience think that it is all really there. The actor who plays Adam, Charlie Plummer, also does a fantastic job. The film itself does commit to many of the typical tropes that you would see in a coming of age movie, but it does a much better job than most films do at depicting mental illness. Adams' mom, and step-father, who are played by Molly Parker, and Walton Goggins also do a really great job, delivering some very emotional performances. The thing that surprised me most in this film was the special effects, especially given the film's small budget. A lot of the schizophrenic hallucinations are shown through special effects, and they effectively add a lot of tension and horror elements to the film, which is not something you see very often in a teenage coming of age film. One other thing worth mentioning is the director, Thor Freudenthal, who hadn't really directed any feature films since the early 2010s. Some of his earlier films included, Hotel For Dogs, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, so I would have to say that this is definitely a significant improvement over his previous works.
Overall, for a typical coming of age film, this movie does a great job at what it is trying to do. Not only is it a good coming of age film, but it also does an amazing job at depicting mental illness, especially one that is as complex as schizophrenia. The entire cast does a great job in their roles, and the story is very compelling. The only real issues that I had with the film, which are very minor problems, would be that there was some poorly timed humor on a few occasions. Other than that though, a very solid film by Freudenthal.
This reminds me of what movies should really be about.
royabeygi16 January 2021
I never write ratings and not always trust them, because every person has different views and watches movies in different settings, but goddammit this movie was good. If you had been interested in anything related to mental illness or just appreciate good movies and dont mind a little bit of cheesiness this movie is for you.
Worth A Watch For Most Film Lovers
TheAnimalMother18 January 2023
If you truly love film, this is well worth watching.
Overall I feel the film is somewhat of a failure in many ways. Yet at the very same time, I feel it is impossible to deny that there are also many great moments and aspects to this film. I could say many things about it, but I usually prefer to let people come to their own conclusions. So I rarely like to make too many definitive points, or break films down too much in reviews.
I will also add this however. It seemed the performance here by Taylor Russell was as convincing as this part could've possibly been played. She was absolutely outstanding. The film has pretty strong acting all around, but her performance even among all the other strong performances seemed as close to perfection as possible. She was also great in Bones and All (2022), which I just recently saw on the big screen. Though I thought Chalamet was the biggest standout performance in that film, but I feel he also had the more challenging and interesting role. Russell was great in Bones and All, but she's even better in this one. As I previously alluded, I really don't think anyone could've played this role any better. She was highly impressive in this, as were a few parts of the film itself.
There are some real glimpses of movie magic in here that are great, and some very effective down to earth human moments as well. The film stumbles at times I feel, and is not entirely effective. Nonetheless there are enough strong aspects here that I still think it's definitely worth a viewing for most people. Especially those who really love film. For certain, this film is at least not just your typical standard formula. There's at the very least some reasonably compelling aspects in here. In terms of real mental illness? I'm really not so sure about that at all. That's a very tricky subject. However in terms of a film/piece of art. I felt it was definitely interesting and somewhat thought provoking.
6.5/10.
Overall I feel the film is somewhat of a failure in many ways. Yet at the very same time, I feel it is impossible to deny that there are also many great moments and aspects to this film. I could say many things about it, but I usually prefer to let people come to their own conclusions. So I rarely like to make too many definitive points, or break films down too much in reviews.
I will also add this however. It seemed the performance here by Taylor Russell was as convincing as this part could've possibly been played. She was absolutely outstanding. The film has pretty strong acting all around, but her performance even among all the other strong performances seemed as close to perfection as possible. She was also great in Bones and All (2022), which I just recently saw on the big screen. Though I thought Chalamet was the biggest standout performance in that film, but I feel he also had the more challenging and interesting role. Russell was great in Bones and All, but she's even better in this one. As I previously alluded, I really don't think anyone could've played this role any better. She was highly impressive in this, as were a few parts of the film itself.
There are some real glimpses of movie magic in here that are great, and some very effective down to earth human moments as well. The film stumbles at times I feel, and is not entirely effective. Nonetheless there are enough strong aspects here that I still think it's definitely worth a viewing for most people. Especially those who really love film. For certain, this film is at least not just your typical standard formula. There's at the very least some reasonably compelling aspects in here. In terms of real mental illness? I'm really not so sure about that at all. That's a very tricky subject. However in terms of a film/piece of art. I felt it was definitely interesting and somewhat thought provoking.
6.5/10.
Moving!!
lynelle_171723 December 2020
The trailer convinced me to watch it but oh my gosh the way they portrayed the illness and the acting of this kid!! Ughh I was bawling my eyes out. I'd seen the mom and the girl from Lost in Space they are great. I didnt know itd get so deep..really opens your eyes to the struggle of people who suffer with these things. But great movie!! Loved it
Words on Bathroom Walls
laurensknebl16 January 2024
I've already seen a few movies that deal with mental illness. However, I haven't seen schizophrenia portrayed very often.
"Words on Bathroom Walls" tells the tragic story of Adam (Charlie Plummer), who suffers from severe schizophrenia. Perceptual disturbances, voices and visions are depicted in various forms and determine his everyday life.
After problems at school, he has to transfer to a private Catholic school where he is supposed to complete his final year.
Taylor Russell, plays Maya, a self-confident young woman who appears in his life as his tutor.
The drama, which has horror and thriller elements, dares to show the depths of the illness and surprises in the final third with a suspense that is usually only seen in psychological thrillers. The visions that Adam regularly has to see and feel are sometimes hilarious. The recurring cuts in which Adam talks about his illness, on the other hand, are rather serious and also appeal to the audience.
The performances by Charlie Plummer, Taylor Russell and also Andy Garcia, who plays a priest, are solid and believable. The relationship between Adam and Maya is rather filled with cliches, but can convince with some really lovely moments.
Adam's character is given a nice depth by his mother and her boyfriend, which unfortunately can't be said for Maya, whose story is only briefly shown.
Words on Bathroom Walls is a typical Hollywood drama romance, but with a few surprises and good performances it is above average.
6.5/10.
"Words on Bathroom Walls" tells the tragic story of Adam (Charlie Plummer), who suffers from severe schizophrenia. Perceptual disturbances, voices and visions are depicted in various forms and determine his everyday life.
After problems at school, he has to transfer to a private Catholic school where he is supposed to complete his final year.
Taylor Russell, plays Maya, a self-confident young woman who appears in his life as his tutor.
The drama, which has horror and thriller elements, dares to show the depths of the illness and surprises in the final third with a suspense that is usually only seen in psychological thrillers. The visions that Adam regularly has to see and feel are sometimes hilarious. The recurring cuts in which Adam talks about his illness, on the other hand, are rather serious and also appeal to the audience.
The performances by Charlie Plummer, Taylor Russell and also Andy Garcia, who plays a priest, are solid and believable. The relationship between Adam and Maya is rather filled with cliches, but can convince with some really lovely moments.
Adam's character is given a nice depth by his mother and her boyfriend, which unfortunately can't be said for Maya, whose story is only briefly shown.
Words on Bathroom Walls is a typical Hollywood drama romance, but with a few surprises and good performances it is above average.
6.5/10.
Exhibits restraint and uses humor to lighten the mood
howard.schumann10 April 2021
In German director Thor Freudenthal's deeply-moving Words on Bathroom Walls, high-school student Adam Petrazelli played by Charlie Plummer, lives in a world without silence. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, the voices in his head never stop, interfering with his ability to function and endangering his need to graduate from high school and fulfill his dream of going to culinary school. Written by Nick Naveda from a young adult novel of the same name by Julia Walton, the film is framed by Adam's own narration. Speaking to an unseen and unheard psychiatrist, Adam takes us into his confidence as he talks about his life and its daily challenges. Portrayed as real life characters, the mostly benign voices are Rebecca (AnnaSophia Robb), a young free-thinking girl, Joaquin , a romantically-obsessed teenager, and an unnamed brutish-looking bodyguard who carries a bat and smokes a cigar.
Freudenthal uses special effects when required such as showing the contents of a room swirling around as if caught in a tornado and Adam's vision of an office being consumed by fire. Though a few scenes indulge in familiar clichés of the genre, for the most part the film exhibits restraint, showing compassion for Adam's struggles and using humor to lighten the mood. Adam loves to cook and dreams about owning his own restaurant. At first, he dismisses his love for cooking, telling us it's a distraction but ultimately acknowledges that when he is cooking, "Everything disappears and I get to be exactly who I want to be."
Unfortunately, a meltdown at a high school chemistry lab that causes injury to another student leads to his expulsion and the decision to enroll him in a strict Catholic school. His acceptance, however, comes with the condition that he maintains an A- average and continues to take his medications which he claims makes him feel worse. When Adam is being interviewed by the nun who heads up his new school, we hear him passively give the answers he thinks she wants to hear but his doubts about whether he can meet the imposed conditions are written on his face.
Meeting Maya (Taylor Russell), a young student at the new school slated to be the school valedictorian, however, brings a renewed sense of optimism for Adam and his mom and stepdad. Seeking additional support, Adam finds a shoulder to lean on in Father Patrick (Andy Garcia). Though he tells the priest that he does not believe in God, Father Patrick's calming manner and gentle humor allows Adam to feel safe enough to talk about his struggles without fear of reprisal. The relationship between Maya and Adam, both with their own vulnerabilities and secrets to protect, elevates Words on Bathroom Walls to a new level of authenticity, but the truth of their circumstances cannot be hidden forever and is sadly revealed during the school prom.
Both Plummer and Russell deliver magnetic performances, and their chemistry gives their characters depth and believability. The characters of Parker and Goggins, however, are not well drawn and barely come alive as real human beings but it does not detract from the film's impact. As Adam attempts to come to terms with schizophrenia, Freudenthal wants to show that he deserves as much sympathy and caring as anyone else struggling with a debilitating illness. In a key moment, Adam says that teens with cancer are shown more compassion and patience. But for those with schizophrenia, "people can't wait to make you someone else's problem, no one wants to grant our wishes."
Do love, support, and self-acceptance cure schizophrenia? No, and the film never suggests that it does, but only that it can help. Freudenthal says he hopes his film can be a "generator of empathy." The next time, he says that "we encounter someone with the illness, we encounter them as a human first . . . Seeing everyone as equal and seeing people as sort of suffering from an illness other than being the illness." Words on Bathroom Walls is a film for those who know what it feels like to exist in a world at odds with your deepest longings for connection and belonging. It is a film that can make you feel that you have found a kindred spirit.
Freudenthal uses special effects when required such as showing the contents of a room swirling around as if caught in a tornado and Adam's vision of an office being consumed by fire. Though a few scenes indulge in familiar clichés of the genre, for the most part the film exhibits restraint, showing compassion for Adam's struggles and using humor to lighten the mood. Adam loves to cook and dreams about owning his own restaurant. At first, he dismisses his love for cooking, telling us it's a distraction but ultimately acknowledges that when he is cooking, "Everything disappears and I get to be exactly who I want to be."
Unfortunately, a meltdown at a high school chemistry lab that causes injury to another student leads to his expulsion and the decision to enroll him in a strict Catholic school. His acceptance, however, comes with the condition that he maintains an A- average and continues to take his medications which he claims makes him feel worse. When Adam is being interviewed by the nun who heads up his new school, we hear him passively give the answers he thinks she wants to hear but his doubts about whether he can meet the imposed conditions are written on his face.
Meeting Maya (Taylor Russell), a young student at the new school slated to be the school valedictorian, however, brings a renewed sense of optimism for Adam and his mom and stepdad. Seeking additional support, Adam finds a shoulder to lean on in Father Patrick (Andy Garcia). Though he tells the priest that he does not believe in God, Father Patrick's calming manner and gentle humor allows Adam to feel safe enough to talk about his struggles without fear of reprisal. The relationship between Maya and Adam, both with their own vulnerabilities and secrets to protect, elevates Words on Bathroom Walls to a new level of authenticity, but the truth of their circumstances cannot be hidden forever and is sadly revealed during the school prom.
Both Plummer and Russell deliver magnetic performances, and their chemistry gives their characters depth and believability. The characters of Parker and Goggins, however, are not well drawn and barely come alive as real human beings but it does not detract from the film's impact. As Adam attempts to come to terms with schizophrenia, Freudenthal wants to show that he deserves as much sympathy and caring as anyone else struggling with a debilitating illness. In a key moment, Adam says that teens with cancer are shown more compassion and patience. But for those with schizophrenia, "people can't wait to make you someone else's problem, no one wants to grant our wishes."
Do love, support, and self-acceptance cure schizophrenia? No, and the film never suggests that it does, but only that it can help. Freudenthal says he hopes his film can be a "generator of empathy." The next time, he says that "we encounter someone with the illness, we encounter them as a human first . . . Seeing everyone as equal and seeing people as sort of suffering from an illness other than being the illness." Words on Bathroom Walls is a film for those who know what it feels like to exist in a world at odds with your deepest longings for connection and belonging. It is a film that can make you feel that you have found a kindred spirit.
A fine & emotionally strong drama, despite a rather smug MTV-esque start
danieljfarthing5 May 2023
In 2020 drama "Words On Bathroom Walls" the psychotic episodes (involving hallucinations of Lobo Sebastian, AnnaSophia Robb & Devon Bostick) of teen Charlie Plummer's schizophrenia force his mum Molly Parker & stepdad Walter Goggins (both great - as ever) to put him on experimental drugs and move him to a new school (with the always excellent Andy Garcia on staff) where he meets romantic interest Taylor Russell (terrific) while hiding his condition (but for how long?). Plummer's performance, Nick Naveda's writing & Thor Freudenthal's direction all start rather too smugly MTV-esque, but build to a strong emotional climax. It's a fine film - eventually.
I drove home in silence
CallMeGrainne28 August 2020
Without relying on an A-list cast or a soundtrack of radio hits, this film left me speechless. After listening to one song I decided to drive the rest of the way home from the theatre with no music. I was left in awe of the way this film made me feel so hopeful. Never in my life as an avid movie-goer have I loved or rooted for a character as much as I did watching this. A definite must-see, this is a film I will be sharing, talking about, and returning to for years to come. I always cry in movies, but this was a new level of crying, in the best way. Thank you to all those involved for the powerful acting performances and gripping plot points that made this movie so important to me.
Delivers a strong message just not deep enouugh
vovers19 February 2022
Words shows clearly the stigma that mental illness has in todays society, despite the vast numbers of people seeking counseling of some form or other. However it trivialises the complexity of paranoia allowing the lead actor to come to grips with his own maladies through strength of will and self realisation. A captivating performance with some meaningful but light hearted theatricals to demonstrare the differing realities at play and the harshness of institutions when dealing with people and risk. The performance would have been much stronger if the feel good Hollywood ending was a lot darker.
If schizophrenia actually was like this it'd be a pretty good movie
jakubjarzyna7 March 2022
Another movie with a great little stereotype for schizophrenia. If they made him have psychosis other than schizophrenia, maybe that'd be more believable. Not many people are actually "scared" of a schizophrenic person, schizophrenics are more scared of other people than they are of them.
Chemistry imbalance between the leads.
Voy_23781 May 2021
This is a generic YA movie based on a book, so something I generally enjoy but where it falls short is that interactions between two lead characters are just dull and unbelievable.
It is not terrible, but for example Chemical Hearts was much better in that regard.
Other than that it is nice YA movie, but nothing special.
It is not terrible, but for example Chemical Hearts was much better in that regard.
Other than that it is nice YA movie, but nothing special.
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