Donovan

A deep yet entertaining drama that delivers the goods, "Donovan" delves into the realm of mental illness in a fresh, introspective way. With strong performances by the entire cast, especially lead Jason Bee, "Donovan" both entertains and educates it's audience, but never talks down to them.

If ever we have needed independent film to fill the void Hollywood leaves in storytelling, we are in that time. With more remakes, reboots, sequels, and "this works, so let's make twenty more just like it" situations that we have going on, it is rare that original voices with original stories told in original ways get the chance that they deserve. Sure, the shoot-em-up stuff that is out there (especially in the summer) are good for what they are, but sometimes we just need a film that has something to say and grabs us by the face, dares us to face its truths, and challenges what we feel are the norms of our lives and cultures. Writer, director, actor/, and renaissance man Jason Bee has spent over half a decade along with his blood, sweat, and tears to do so with "Donovan," AND IT SHOWS.

The story of Donovan Drake (whose alliteration in his name actually works itself into one of the themes of the film and played by Bee himself) is one that takes a gritty, raw, and honest look at a man living and dealing with bi-polar disorder that takes the audience not only on his journey, but that of his family, friends, and co-workers. Donovan is a divorcée who is simply trying to get the endorsement of a therapist that will allow him to see his son, Evan (Bee's son, Grayson) more often and thinks that he can simply overcome "the other guy" on his own. When he encounters a therapist who refuses to back down from him (Dr. Raymund C. King), Donovan is torn between what could be a breakthrough for him and the volatile side of his life, led by new flame Jessica (Kelsey Deanne) for what his "normal" is.

From the title card of Bee's "Brilliant Mania Films" logo followed by an opening sequence that can only be described as disorienting (as it is intended to be), "Donovan" is a film that strikes deep into the soul of its subject matter that is unapologetic in its style while staying respectful and honest in a way that had me lose count in the number of stories told that ended with "thank you for this" by the audience at the screening and its Q&A that I attended. When people in a packed auditorium are willing to step forward and use this film as a spring board to share their own stories and struggles with a group of strangers almost three hundred deep, that speaks volumes as to its power, emotion, and inspiration. It is almost impossible to think that there is another actor that could convey the words that Bee puts to the page any better than Bee himself in a performance that takes its audience on an almost first-person trek through his triumphs, his pain, and everything in between. King plays the perfect foil to the game that Donovan thinks he is playing by giving a level of gravity to Dr. Cray that shows Donovan that he will not be like the other therapists that Donovan has seen by actually challenging him to better himself without forcing all of the "tell me about your mother" that is typically seen with these types of roles. And if Cray is the order in Donovan's life, Deanne's portrayal of Jessica brings the chaos to that balance with the force of a cyclone that keeps him spinning to a different kind of madness that is the jet fuel on the bonfire that is Donovan's existence. Combine that with strong performances by Damon Carney as Steve, his best friend, and Rebecca Frances as Haley, his co-worker and conscience that he is reluctant to listen to, and this cast is solid through and through.

The entire time that I was watching this film, two words constantly came to mind: conversation piece. To know that executive producers King and David Visser are going to be hosting a number of charity screenings to help bring awareness to these and other mental health issues as a distribution model is the perfect vessel for "Donovan," while word-of-mouth should help get the word of this wonderful film out for more people to see it, feel its message, and want to know more. With a strong script that dares its audience to stand up, take notice, and open a dialogue that is so necessary to so many, this is a film whose voice NEEDS to be heard on the biggest possible scale possible.

Being an independent filmmaker means wearing nearly every single hat of production, beginning with the script and someday ending with distribution and promotion. In between all that, there's the movie itself.

First timer Jason Bee brings us a solid feature film containing a realistic look of someone struggling with mental illness yet makes it relateable to virtually anyone ever in a romantic relationship. At its core, Donovan is about taking responsibility for your own decisions and how they affect the people in your life. It's effective and powerful, especially if you've ever had an up close look at mental illness, specifically Bipolar Disorder.

Bee deftly relays these unimaginably difficult experiences to the audience with every scene, situation, character, sentence and facial expression. It's jarring in it's honesty but manages to find places for levity. Most importantly, you care about the characters in this story. You have no choice but to sit and watch and feel and hope and root Donovan on. This movie will last in your mind for a long while after the credits roll.

Delivering a powerful message on "Bipolar Disorder", views are often deemed only from the victim's side. The movie unroots the issue of Bipolar. In our society, we need to be cognizant to address the symptoms, available help which we lack. This is not common "thing" anymore but it's an epidemic! Mental Illness is an epidemic! Jason Bee delivered a power play, took me as an audience to his mind set. Having a better understanding what is on the other side is significant. The movie hits so close to home and my tissue box was empty by the end of the movie. Evan's captured my heart! his acting was so real that my heart stopped each time I watched how he loves his Dad unconditionally. Excellent movie!!!

A wonderful character study, and a gripping thriller. DONOVAN takes the time to bring the audience's investment to a slow boil, and keeps it ratcheted up through the final act. Jason Bee's attention to detail is remarkable, with the secondary materials produced for the film and research he's done to make the title character's condition not only believable, but concrete. Sincerely, a well-crafted flick.