Good Side of Bad

Family - represents love, support, and togetherness, but also one that, for many, can come with very deep emotional struggles and complexities. This film dives deep into these difficulties and brings to light the importance of discussing mental health. And the painful reality of what makes a family whole. The film explores how a family struggles with divisions, each member grappling with their own battles. This film exploration, but it is not just about highlighting the difficulties of family dynamics, but also about bringing awareness to the importance of mental health. This film carries a powerful reminder: family is not always perfect, but it's in our imperfections, in our struggles and in our healing, that we find out what truly holds us together. And that's what makes a family.

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.

"Good Side of Bad" is such a powerful movie. The story pulls you in right away with its real, emotional characters, and you can't help but feel invested in their journeys. It does an amazing job showing what it's like to deal with mental health challenges, whether you're going through it yourself or watching someone you care about struggle.

Lexie's performance is incredible-she's so relatable and raw. You really feel every bit of her pain and strength, and it's hard not to get emotional watching her.

This movie isn't just something you watch; it sticks with you. It's a beautifully told story that makes you think and feel. If you've ever dealt with mental health issues or supported someone who has, this movie will hit home in the best way.

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.

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.