All The Bright Places Movie Review (2020)
A coming-of-age drama about two teenagers whose chance friendship leads them to confront grief, family trauma, and the weight of their pasts, All the Bright Places unfolds with warmth and compassion, using excellent performances to tell a story that’s ultimately as healing as it is heartbreaking.
One of the things that I love most about streaming services is the catalog of movies they bring to each home. Not just the new movie you’ve been waiting to see, but also the older movies that went right by you. The movies that you’ve never heard of or had a fleeting thought about, and moved on with your life before watching. That is this movie for me.
All The Bright Places is about Violet, an outcast teenager living with survivor’s guilt after the death of her sister. In a chance meeting at a bridge in town, Theodore Finch extends a hand to Violet and the two slowly become friendly, with Finch showing Violet that there is more to life than grief. But Finch has his own issues, and the two work to navigate their lives with each other’s support.
Based on a book of the same name, I was not familiar with this story at all before watching the movie. From the cover, I fully expected a YA love story, and there is some of that, but the film also touches on much deeper issues. When you are struggling with mental illness or grief, it can feel like you are constantly being pulled under water – which they capture here successfully.
Starring Justice Smith and Elle Fanning, All The Bright Places is as good as it is because of the strength and chemistry of these actors. Both Finch and Violet are grappling with very heavy problems, and the natural, vulnerable way that each brings their character to life is incredibly affecting.
This is a gently paced film that takes you on a journey as it slowly unfolds. It is emotionally layered and honest in a way that almost makes you uncomfortable, but I didn’t realize how connected I’d become until I found myself crying. And, for the record, my emotion wasn’t during the part you might expect.
All The Bright Places is a heartfelt and poignant movie that has some funny moments, but provides a sincere look at what it is to live with mental illness and generational trauma. It’s also addresses what it’s like to love someone who is suffering from things you can’t help them with. The leads are likable and charming, each in their own way, and the story respects each character’s journey. You don’t always get that in regards to these subjects in film, so I found it to be a huge plus.
Runtime: 108 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Yes, I did
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
Available: Free on Netflix
