All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places, a compelling heartfelt drama film released in 2020, manoeuvres through the tumultuous landscape of young love, mental health and the intricacies of recovery and healing. The movie, directed by Brett Haley and featuring distinct performances from Elle Fanning and Justice Smith along with Alexandar Shipp, is an adaptation of Jennifer Niven's eponymous 2015 novel.

The movie introduces us to Finch (Justice Smith), a young man grappling with his own internal struggles, and Violet Markey (Elle Fanning), a high school girl deeply embedded in her grief over her sister's death. The narrative unfolds in the small-town setting of Bartlett, Indiana, where the repercussions of grief and mental health struggles resonate more prominently.

Elle Fanning's character, Violet, is an insightful writer, silencing her words and withdrawing from her formerly vibrant life after her sister's sudden demise. She is haunted by survivor's guilt, making hollow attempts to wade through life in her sister's absence. She hesitates to engage in activities she once loved, out of respect and in memory of her sister. Her character is quietly powerful, reflecting the brutal reality of grief and the stiff upper lip mentality that accompanies it.

Opposite Violet's circumscribed world is Justice Smith's character, Finch - a free-spirited, charming yet mysterious boy infamously known as "The Freak" at Bartlett High School. Finch is deeply engrossed in his own war with mental health, demonstrating a critical scope of male mental health issues that are often neglected in mainstream media.

The movie brings a breath of soul-stirring freshness with the introduction of a school project that pairs Finch and Violet together. Soon, they're engaged in a venture called "Wandering Indiana", aiming to explore some often ignored beauty of their seemingly simple hometown. This project unfurls a series of adventures, narrating their journey saturated with beautiful and poignant experiences.

Finch's quest to awaken Violet from her self-imposed hibernation and his endearing patience to bring out the scared girl from her shell is satisfyingly heartwarming. His determination to heal Violet contrasts with his struggles to put his own demons at bay, adding layers to his character. Justice Smith’s captivating portrayal of this complex character elicits empathy and understanding.

Elle Fanning delivers an impeccable performance, as she breathes life into Violet's character. She effortlessly portrays Violet's transition from a grieving girl to an individual stumbling towards healing and self rediscovery. Her journey forms the emotional crux of the movie, leaving audiences soaking in the raw emotions of her performance.

Joining the lead actors is Alexandar Shipp, bringing vivacity with her role as Finch's sister, Kate. Shipp's character provides a refreshing jolt of energy and normalcy in the otherwise intense narrative, while giving viewers an outside perspective of Finch's struggles.

On the technical front, Brett Haley's direction successfully minimizes the romanticization of mental health issues while carefully cultivating a story that is heartrending yet uplifting. The cinematography by Rob Givens beautifully captures Indiana's charm and scenic locales, adding a poetic quality to the narrative. The compelling story is complimented by a truly haunting and atmospheric score by Keegan Dewitt.

All these elements come together to create not just a movie, but an experience that depicts the high stakes of living with mental health issues, especially in one's formative years. All the Bright Places demands attention, urging viewers to open conversations around mental health while unveiling a touching story of love and loss. With every passing scene, one is bound to truly fathom why people need to be reminded that they are not defined by their troubles, but by how they rise from them.

The film underscores the gravity of adolescent mental health, drenched in a tender love story that evokes tears, smiles, and necessary reflection within the viewers. All the Bright Places serves to remind that suffering can coincide with beauty, promoting empathy for those facing mental health battles. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of coping, transformation, and the bright places that can be found even in the darkest corners.