The Promise

This is more than a movie. I encourage everyone to watch this and make The Promise with a loved one.

I feel nowadays a lot of movies and documentaries highlight issues but don't give an option moving forward. The message in The Promise is really clear and might not be the answer but it's something to move forward with.

For a movie on such a heavy topic it was actually quite beautiful. The pictures were stunning, at times I laughed and forgot I was watching a documentary. The people featured in this movie add depth and ground the story in a complete kind of way. It's a complex issue but I feel this was done really well and told in a mature way.

The way this film is structured, it delivers an often silenced topic with the weight and urgency it deserves. Tackling the struggles of mental health is not an easy task, but it is done in a powerful and unique way.

Hearing the voice of public figures next to regular people shows just how indiscriminate poor mental health can be, combined with the wide reaching effects within family and friends impacted is so powerful.

There is no sugar coating in this film. It hits the issues head on, in a respectful but sometimes confronting way, explained as absolutely necessary throughout the film. Well done to Jye and Craig. This is an important film, highly recommended.

I had the privilege of attending a Q&A night with Craig and Jye. It's been four days now and I haven't stopped thinking about this movie.

There's really a lot to unpack here, there are a lot of layers and a lot of emotions, on the night of the screening I found a quite challenging to hear some of the stories in the documentary but I know how important stories like this are.

I can see this film becoming the next "rabbit proof fence" which they teach in schools.

If you are going through any mental health challenges I suggest watching this with a friend. If you have someone in your life you can decode this film with after that would be quite the experience.

I am genuinely inspired by Jye Currie's documentary The Promise. This is a profoundly important and beautifully crafted film that approaches the topic of suicide prevention with honesty, care, and deep humanity.

What stands out most is Jye's ability to tell personal, raw stories while maintaining respect and sensitivity a balance that many filmmakers struggle to achieve. The film never feels heavy-handed or exploitative; instead, it offers space for reflection, understanding, and, most importantly, hope.

The Promise carries a vital message that needs to be shared widely across Australia. In a time when mental health challenges touch so many lives, this documentary has the power not only to raise awareness but to genuinely save lives. It is the kind of work I would recommend not only to my students but to colleagues, community leaders, and policymakers alike.

Currie has proven himself to be a filmmaker unafraid to take on urgent social issues and with The Promise, he has made something truly impactful.

Australia needs this documentary. And honestly I needed it too. I have had my own battles with mental health and for a long time thought something was wrong with me. After watching this I finally feel heard. I have since made the promise with my best friend and it wasn't until now I found out they were struggling too. This is a real issue we have in the world and to the people who made this I thank you!

To the people who shared their story in this movie, thank you! You are brave and have given me the courage to make a change in my life.

Much love! Highly recommend this documentary, it's a hard watch (from the content) but beautiful.