Good Side of Bad

There's something rare about Good Side of Bad-a film that never announces its importance, but earns it scene by scene. Directed with clear-eyed sensitivity by Althea Root, the film invites us into a fractured family dynamic without judgment, sensationalism, or sentimentality. It simply tells the truth, and in doing so, it hits hard.

At the center is a trio of compelling performances. Tess Harper, a veteran of emotionally weighty roles, brings a weary grace to the role of the family matriarch. Her scenes carry the quiet authority of someone who's endured more than she says aloud. Jules Bruff is equally strong as the sister trying to hold everything together. And then there's Lexi Simonson, whose turn as the youngest sibling in crisis is nothing short of revelatory. In her hands, the character is unpredictable, aching, and alive-reminding us of how rare it is to see mental illness portrayed with such immediacy and nuance. Simonson doesn't play "troubled," she is troubled, and we feel every spike and spiral.

Despite its title, there is little good side here, and this is not film that offers tidy closure. Instead, there is something deeper: the authenticity of experience, told with compassion and care.

This is a film for those who have lived it-or who want to understand.

This movie really spoke to me as someone who has dealt with mental illness in my own immediate family. It's a thoughtful exploration about how trying to fix someone is much less effective - and sometimes even less compassionate - then just seeing them for who they are, in all their complexities, and taking things from there. Of course, it's also about learning to setting boundaries in dealing with that person, and taking care of yourself so you can be as helpful as possible without harming your own journey though life. And, finally, being aware of how it affects other relationships in your family, which can be hard to see. Great performances, and a really lovely score too.

Good Side of Bad is a poignant story about the impacts of mental illness on an entire family. Against the backdrop of younger sister Florence's schizophrenia diagnosis and struggles with treatment, older sister Sara steps in to support Florence while trying to shake off the doldrums of midlife and their brother Peter tries to balance the responsibility of caring for their aging mother with the increasing demands of Florence's deteriorating mental state. The delicate balance of trying to care for yourself while simultaneously taking care of a family member is a painful struggle that most can relate to and/or will eventually experience, and Good Side of Bad, while showing how difficult and demanding mental illness can be also reminds us to appreciate the good times and to cherish the strong connections in our lives.

Engaging story about family and mental illness - beautifully acted and shot- I whole heartedly recommend!

The story draws you in to a young woman's life, just as she is reaching adulthood - who, on top of all the typical struggles of finding employment and love, is also figuring out how to deal with voices and visions that are haunting and her. The film crafts its narrative between sympathizing with the young, vibrant woman and following her on her bouts of schizophrenia. It deals with the delicate struggle of her older sister, torn between love for the person she knows is there, and frustration with the madness that she can't ignore or solve. The movie was thoughtful, engaging, and touching, and I recommend.

The actors gave such revealing performances about the realities of mental illness, the necessity of our loved ones supporting us and the challenges we face supporting one another when we share unfinished conflict.

This story is an important one to share so that we can accept mental illness as sort of our common thread. This is the only way we can begin to heal it.

Lexi Simonsen's performance was raw and heartbreaking as she combines the frustration of being misunderstood with the fear of not knowing what is actually real or what direction to go.

Jules Bruff's performance as the centerpiece of the family rang so true in her portrayal of the deafening dedication it takes to hold a struggling family together.

Masterful performances. Compelling story.