Schizophrenia isn't often tackled on the big screen. And when it is, the character diagnosed as a schizophrenic is more often than not the villain or psycho of the story. But "Words on Bathroom Walls" manages to portray it in a compassionate way. Charlie Plummer offers an authentic portrayal of a high school senior named Adam recently diagnosed with the mental condition. And as his episodes become worse and worse, he finds himself pulling away from his family, peers, and even the young lady he loves. But it's some of those same people that help him become more than his disease.
"Words on Bathroom Walls" is based on the novel by the same name, written by Julia Walton.
I was impressed by the casting, which includes some young newcomers not yet quite familiar to audiences. Adam has very sweet chemistry with Maya, played by Taylor Russell, a wonderful young actress who previously starred in the emotionally draining "Waves" opposite Sterling Brown. But the scene stealer, to me, is Andy Garcia, who plays an empathetic priest who befriends Adam and listens to his plights via a confessional.
Adam's schizophrenic episodes are disturbing, to say the least. At one point he sees fire emerging from the top of a nun's head, and that black smoke thing that follows him around reminded me of the terrifying "Smoke Monster" from ABC's "Lost." But I think that's the point. The visuals allow us to see exactly what's going on in that brain of his, so we don't just judge Adam on his outward actions.
I think some of the YouTube comments say it best:
"Yay a movie where the schizophrenic isn’t a crazed psycho killer like how they’re always portrayed!!!"
"I'm not sure how bad are good this movie is going to be, but it is nice to see a depiction of schizophrenia in a movie that isn't used as an excuse to explain why somebody is a murderer."
"Talking about schizophrenia in a healthy manner by not making him seem like a psycho path and an interracial relationship? I'm game!!! Just let me know the release date."
That would be Friday, August 21.