No Letting Go

"No Letting Go" is obviously a labor of love. While the film is marvelously made, it just doesn't seem like the most commercial of productions. Instead, it's a film with a strong message and addresses a problem seldom talked about in movies...childhood mental illness.

When the film begins, Timothy is a 10 year-old who is starting to show some serious signs of anxiety--something you just wouldn't expect in a kid his age. His parents take him to therapy but it doesn't really seem to help. Then, the film jumps ahead to age 14. Now Timothy is not only anxious but seriously depressed...and with childhood depression comes a lot of other things, such as anger and unpredictability. The film not only focuses on Timothy but also on his family and how Timothy's precarious mental state effects them all in different ways. His parents' marriage is tense and difficult and his brothers obviously are affected as well. So is there any hope? Of course, as this a film about so much more than just a miserable family.

There is so much I love about this movie. The acting is very nice and most of the folks are faces you won't recognize...which is a plus because this makes them seem like a very real family. The direction by Jonathan Bucari is just amazing and the writing by Bucari and Randy Silverman shows that they know a lot about mental illness and its treatment. Considering I am a trained psychotherapist and have had to deal with mental illness in my own family, I can clearly see that they sure did their research. As a result, they offer a film with many great things to offer...hope for families...awareness of how widespread these problems are...the way it affects friends and neighbors...as well as the ways depression come out in children and teens. All in all, a great message film which not only does a great and beneficial service but is also highly engaging. It also has been taking many awards in the film festival circuit...and justified as the film has so much to offer and is so original. Fortunately, this film will be making its debut in March--so you can see it without the need of going to a film festival!

No Letting Go is an amazing film based on a true story. It follows the struggles of a family dealing with a young son who is struggling with mental illness. It's a film that must be seen. Too often movies about mental illness do not represent the majority of people who have loved ones suffering from any type of mental disorder. "Hollywood" sensationalizes the storyline. No Letting Go gives a voice to the thousands of families who are struggling daily with a loved one with mental illness. The cast is outstanding, the directing and production value are far above what we sometimes associate with indie films. I saw a screening of the film in NYC and can honestly say there was not a dry eye in the theater. It's a dramatic, powerful story but it's also an uplifting one that will hopefully help stop the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Look for this film on TV, Cable VOD etc! You will NOT want to miss it!

I am reviewing from the perspective of someone who was a child with chronic anxiety and bouts of depression. I do not have bipolar disorder, but I am what is considered "Neurodivergent" with adult ADHD and Autism. This hit home for me watching the parents turn their nose up at special education and treatment and trying to force "normalcy". I grew up with a family who didn't believe in any of this and didn't want to be viewed as having a "disabled child" so ignored all the signs and labeled me a "bad kid with behavioral problems". I had a really rough life as a result and at age 40 am finally getting the support I need. Although I feel the child was misdiagnosed in the film and treatment outdated, I do appreciate how the film turned out and hope it teaches parents to let go of their misguided views and stop stigmatizing treatment for those with neurological differences who have trouble fitting into a one-size-fits-all world.

This film is an honest, gripping portrayal of what it's like to learn that your child has mental illness. As the parents struggle to come to grips with their family's new reality, they face increasing social ostracism from their friends and neighbors. The soccer game scene seemed to be pulled right from my own life. And the siblings' frustration is completely understandable.

Mental illness affects the whole family. Far too many families suffer in shame and silence. Yet "No Letting Go" also offers real hope. With treatment, children can survive and even thrive. I am so grateful for this film--my biggest fear is that the people who need to see it most (those who are not living with this and who continue to blame parents for their children's brain disease) will not see the film.

A really great movie highlighting challenges faced both by the family and the person suffering with a mental health condition.

What is disappointing is the reality of how costly it can be to get the kind of great help as is shown in this movie. I hope this is something that more people can access without the price tag.

Mental health can be a life long struggle, but with the right support one can learn to manage it far better and live a life of quality.