Mental Health Month Movie Challenge

By: Ally Barnes

As many have travelled through lockdown, the realities of mental health have come to the forefront of our lives.

For Mental Health Month, Reel Dialogue’s Russ Matthews has created a list of films that help us understand some of the challenges many face.

Films for young viewers

• Finding Dory
• Cruella

Reel Dialogue pick: Inside Out (Disney+)

Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Riley moves to San Francisco, leaving behind her life in Minnesota. She and her five core emotions, Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.

Films for teens

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower
• The Edge of Seventeen
• Good Will Hunting
• The Breakfast Club

Reel Dialogue pick: Words on Bathroom Walls (Amazon Prime)

Synopsis: 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.

Films that facilitate important conversations about mental health

• Manchester By The Sea
• Silver Linings Playbook
• Reign Over Me
• Ordinary People
• As Good As It Gets
• A Beautiful Mind

Reel Dialogue pick: The Soloist (Apple TV)

Synopsis: A journalist befriends a homeless mentally ill, street musician, who possesses extraordinary talent. Inspired by his life story, he writes an acclaimed series of articles. An amazing performance by Jamie Foxx and then to add in Robert Downey Jr.

Get more great movie recommendations and reviews here.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Official Inside Out Facebook