Have you ever started watching a film hoping it would capture the reality of mental health struggles, only to feel let down by Hollywood’s glossed-over portrayals? Far too often, movies sensationalize, trivialize, or outright misrepresent the complex realities of living with psychological issues. However, if you know where to look, there are some cinematic gems that break away from stereotypes to authentically depict the human experience.
While we hope for a day when such realistic portrayals become the industry standard, these three films offer a glimpse into what it’s truly like to live with mental health issues. Beyond their brilliant production and narratives, these movies also showcase something refreshing: the raw, bitter-sweet, and gut-wrenching reality of everyday problems.
1. The Father (2020)
The Father is a poignant drama that delves into the complexities of dementia and its impact on relationships. The story is told from the perspective of a father with dementia, creating a disorienting and immersive experience for the audience. As his memory deteriorates, the film navigates his shifting perceptions of time, place, and people—gloomily blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Trivialized portrayals of Alzheimer’s and dementia often resort to stereotypes and oversimplifications that misrepresent the true nature of the condition. These depictions typically present dementia as a simple case of memory loss or confusion and reduce its complex behavioral patterns to mere forgetfulness. Patients are frequently portrayed as absent-minded elderly individuals who become the subject of light-hearted humor or plot devices.