While the YA genre doesn't have the best track record with regards to mental illness representation, there’s a funny, surprisingly accurate, and, dare I say, relatable approach to Words on Bathroom Walls that makes the topic of schizophrenia feel approachable. It helps that the cast was well-picked, with festival favorites Charlie Plummer and Taylor Russell forming a compelling pair, but what makes the film work is director Thor Freudenthal, whose previous experience in directing classic teen franchises can be seen through the way he portrays Adam with heart, rather than with stereotypes, just like the original novel. Words on Bathroom Walls is an unexpectedly fresh take on an often misrepresented condition.
Synopsis
Diagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.
Storyline
After being diagnosed with schizophrenia, high school senior Adam Petrazelli struggles to keep his diagnosis a secret from the rest of the school, while falling in love with fellow classmate Maya Arnez.
TLDR
I can’t believe this thoughtful adaptation is coming from the director of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but maybe this shouldn’t be so surprising.
What stands out
The humor with the hallucinations. It’s never at the expense of Adam, and the humor that makes use of the contrast between the visual hallucinations and what’s actually happening is actually funny.
