Pure O

I knew nothing about OCD going into this movie and I feel like I came away from it with a better understanding and perspective. I've always thought of OCD as a physical disease with nervous tics, compulsive behaviors, etc. As seen through the character's eyes the mental side of it is horrifying. The acting and writing really brought that to life and both are phenomenal, as is the cinematography. I was especially moved by the character of Brandon, who is presented throughout the film as the extreme version of what the lead character Cooper could become if he doesn't work on himself. In the end, the redemption he achieves is super cathartic and very inspiring.

While I do appreciate the more nuanced take on OCD (having it myself), there is really not much else going for this movie. The actors are decent, but the plot is meandering and the tone is borderline hallmark channel levels of cheese. While I enjoyed that the lines of dialogue were pretty natural, it didn't make up for the confused tone. I really don't know what they were going for, the main character lacks any depth whatsoever and I found it hard to relate to him other than the OCD aspect. Very one dimensional and frankly very boring movie that takes itself too seriously. Nothing special about the cinematography either. Wouldnt really recommend unless you have Pure OCD and are super interested in the topic...but even then prepared to be underwhelmed.

As someone who only associated OCD with cleanliness or repetitive habits, Pure O was a surprising and thought-provoking watch. The film dives into a form of OCD I'd never heard of before-Pure Obsessional, where the battle is entirely internal. I went in curious and left with a whole new understanding of how complex and debilitating this condition can be.

The main character's journey is intense and unsettling, but in a way that feels authentic. He gives a raw and emotional performance, making you feel the weight of the intrusive thoughts he's grappling with. His inner turmoil is portrayed so vividly that I found myself holding my breath during some scenes, completely absorbed in his struggle.

What struck me most was how the movie portrayed the mental war going on in his head. Through clever visuals and sound effects, it felt like you were right there with him, experiencing the relentless, unshakable fears. It made me realize how much someone can be suffering even if everything looks fine on the outside.

The ending is hopeful, maybe a little too neat, but it left me feeling uplifted and more empathetic.

Pure O isn't your typical mental health movie-it's a deep dive into something rarely talked about, and I think that's what makes it special. If you're curious about how OCD can affect someone's mind in ways you might never have imagined, this is worth watching. It's not an easy film, but it's one that sticks with you.