Paper Spiders

Paper Spiders is a gripping and poignant drama from 2020, focusing on the delicate themes of mental illness, maternal bonds, and the turbulence of transitioning into adulthood. The movie casts Peyton List, famous for her roles in "The Tomorrow People" and the "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid" series, David Rasche, known as the face of the satirical series "Sledge Hammer!" and the versatile Stefania LaVie Owen, remembered to date for her parts in "The Carrie Diaries" and "Krampus".

The plot revolves around the everyday life of a high-school senior, Melanie, compellingly portrayed by Stefania LaVie Owen. Being a typical teenager, her life is filled with the usual concerns: exploring her future path, college applications, hanging out with friends, and the sweet excitement of a budding romance. However, this semblance of normalcy fades as her mother, Dawn (beautifully played by Lili Taylor), begins to display concerning, erratic behavior.

Dawn, a widowed worker in a paralegal firm, starts showing signs of what Melanie fears to be paranoid delusional disorder. This mental instability is characterized by her increasingly intense belief that their new neighbor (played by Michael Cyril Creighton) is out to harm them. What initially appears as concern spirals into an irrational obsession that threatens to destabilize their life.

In these trying times, Melanie is torn between her deep-rooted love for her mother and the distressing realities manifesting before her. LaVie's portrayal of Melanie's struggle between adolescent carefree life and the sudden thrust into adult-like responsibilities is both heart-wrenching and empowering. Her challenge lies in navigating her personal life, which includes a relationship with a caring new boyfriend, Daniel, played by Peyton List in a more mature role than his younger fans are accustomed to. Simultaneously, she endeavors to handle her mother's escalating paranoia, which adds multiple layers to their relationship.

David Rasche, in the role of a sympathetic but rather eccentric attorney, assists in illustrating the difficulties often faced in finding professional help for mental illness. He provides a softer touch to a predominantly serious narrative, infusing a degree of humor and light-heartedness.

“Paper Spiders” skillfully explores the moving story of a mother-daughter relationship strained by Dawn's rapid descent into mental illness. Melding a deft blend of emotional depth, subtle humor, and a profound exploration of mental health, the movie provokes crucial conversations around the often overlooked realities of mental health disorders.

Set in Syracuse, New York, the film's cinematography does an excellent job of bringing life to an ordinary town while highlighting the characters' seemingly mundane life that is grappling with extraordinary circumstances. The visual backdrop matches the plot's central themes, employing dreary colors during intense moments and brighter hues during scenes of relative calm.

Ingrid Michaelson's evocative, mood-suited musical score complements the film's narrative perfectly, adding subtle tones and providing an emotionally enhancing background to the film's key scenes. Her skills foster a resonance that underlines the film’s emotional journey, while the film's screenplay, written by Inon Shampanier and Natalie Shampanier, is filled with insightful dialogue, effectively conveying the turmoil of the characters.

In her directorial debut, Inon Shampanier explores mental illness in an intimate and authentic manner, demonstrating empathy for people with mental health issues and the challenges they face. “Paper Spiders” provides an unflinching view into the complexities of paranoia and its impact on the individual and their loved ones.

The performances of the main cast are commendable. Lili Taylor delivers a strong performance as Dawn, portraying convincingly the mounting trepidation and paranoia of her character. Equally impressive is Stefania LaVie Owen, whose portrayal of Melanie's struggle to balance her regular teenage life and the responsibilities she carries as her mother's caretaker is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Paper Spiders is a dramatic narrative about a heart-wrenching collision of adolescence and mental illness. It is a must-watch for those interested in compelling stories about mental health and family relationships, and is a testament to the power of cinema in capturing the human experience.