Self Medicated

This film is one of the best films I've ever seen about the effects of addiction and conflict on the psycho-dynamics of a family.

I took my teen daughters to see it at a local film festival. What an interesting story and how amazing that it's based on a true story! Michael Bowen was amazing as the official bent on capturing and punishing the main character, Andrew. I cried my eyes out when Andrew and his mother, well, I won't give it a way for people who haven't seen it, but wow... what a heartbreaking scene!

This is a rare movie that the family with teen-aged kids can enjoy together, and also discuss afterwards. In fact they really should!

This was a fascinating story that deserved to be told.

If it had not been for the wonderful Santa Fe Film Festival it is unlikely that I would have ever had the pleasure of seeing this little gem of a movie. In my view, Diane Venora is one of the most underrated actresses of her generation. She was just incredible in this film, just as she is in any other movie she's in that I can think of, but this is certainly among her most powerful performances. The scene in the bedroom on the floor - just heartbreaking. If there is any justice in the world then this movie should find its way into theaters and I definitely recommend seeing it. If you're a fan of quality acting then you will not be disappointed because everyone in the movie is simply excellent, especially Diane Venora and the young man who plays her son. Certainly one of the best movies I can recall seeing in a very long time. I wish they would bring more quality independent films like this to New Mexico apart from just the film festivals. Thank goodness for the Santa Fe Film Festival for finding wonderful films like this for all of us to discover. What a treat!

This film is something very special.

Go see it! It's all true. It's subtle, down-to-earth, and allows the audience to observe and relate to the characters. The mother and son who are the main characters in this film have a life crisis to deal with, and both become alienated by their own self-destructive behavior. For me, I felt a very strong connection to the characters, their loneliness, and general fear about what to do and how to create/sustain their lives.

It's a real and true to life kind of film. If you cannot be sensitive for a couple of hours you certainly won't appreciate it, but if you can it is well worth the time. I think that everybody should have an experience that causes you to take stock of your life.

This is really such a wonderful movie. It's like a breath of fresh air to see a drama driven by characters rather than by a typical Hollywood plot. The characters think, act and talk like real people. They could be us. That's the genius of this movie. If you want fantasy, don't see this film. If you want to be touched by great acting and a wonderful plot that shows the complexities of human relationship, see this film. This is real. Mixed with wry humor and heartbreaking family drama, this film is an indie triumph. The actors and writing steal the show, which is kind of the point of movies like this anyway. I don't think you ever really notice the writing which is what makes it great. The writer feels like he knows his characters and is able to write them in their many moods and allowing their complexity as humans to remain intact. The cinematography deserves a word in my opinion too. I just loved the color of the movie. I am not sure why but something about the way it looked I just couldn't help but be drawn into watching it. I'm not sure where else this film will be playing as I saw it at a film festival, but if you have the chance, go see it. I loved it and both of my kids loved it too. Well done.

Self-Medicated is a truly refreshing movie. The most enchanting aspect of the movie is its true-to-life characters and brilliant acting.

The characters are human - just real people, with real failings and real weaknesses, real moments, real heartbreak, real warmth, real everything ... a story that is beautifully told. A sometimes dark yet romantic movie, a family movie even, an intelligent movie about human relationships and the complexities involved.

This is an absolutely wonderful movie that has no false moments, the background score is terrific, the acting is brilliant, especially Diane Venora who is quite extraordinary. There are many funny scenes in the movie, the movie is well-paced and the script well brought out, the dialog is enjoyable. A truly fine movie.

Absolutely recommended for people who are pretty bored of the big budget fake Hollywood scripts, with their phony characters. This movie keeps it real, and close to the heart.