Turtles All The Way Down(2024)

Ever since I read John Green’s novel, Turtles All the Way Down, I've been eagerly waiting for its adaptation. I never knew there was one until TikTok brought a clip my way. Knowing the heavy emotional terrain of the book, I was curious to see how it would translate to the screen. I should be doing a review of the book really soon thanks to TikTok for the reminder. Hehehe. Anyway, the film did not disappoint, bringing Aza’s personal struggles with OCD to life in a raw and visually powerful way that stays true to the book while adding a fresh cinematic touch.

Synopsis

This film centers on Aza Holmes, a 17 year old high school student grappling with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The film follows her as she reconnects with an old friend, Davis Pickett, whose billionaire father has mysteriously disappeared. While Aza’s best friend, Daisy, is eager to uncover clues and solve the case, for the grand prize of course, Aza is more focused on keeping her spiraling thoughts in check. The mystery adds intrigue to the story, but at its core, the film is about Aza’s internal battle with mental illness and her struggle to maintain relationships while dealing with an overwhelming mind.

My Review and Rating

From the first frame, the film sets the tone with its intimate portrayal of Aza’s mental state. The direction, led by Hannah Marks, gives us a front-row seat to Aza’s anxiety and compulsions, using visual cues like quick cuts, close-ups and sound design to heighten the experience. It’s an impressive representation of what it feels like to live in constant fear of intrusive thoughts. The scenes where Aza’s spiraling thoughts are visually represented were especially impactful, pulling me into her world of endless loops of worry. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s meant to be.

The performances are a standout. Aza, played by Isabela Merced, delivers a deeply emotional portrayal that does justice to the source material. Her portrayal of Aza’s mental health struggles felt authentic and I found myself rooting for her, even in her darkest moments. Merced brings a subtle vulnerability to the role, balancing moments of quiet strength with emotional breakdowns. The relationship between Aza and Davis (played by Felix Mallard) is sweet and tender, though it never quite feels like a traditional love story, which I appreciated. It’s more about connection than romance and the film wisely doesn’t push it beyond what feels natural which is very much applaudable.

The film’s pacing, on the other hand, is steady, allowing moments of quiet reflection between the bigger plot points. The mystery surrounding Davis’ father’s disappearance serves as a subplot, but it never overtakes the central narrative of Aza’s journey with OCD. Daisy, played by Cree Cicchino, brings some much-needed levity to the film. Her relationship with Aza is fun and real, showing both the strain mental illness can put on friendships and the loyalty that can endure through it.

Trust me when I tell you that this film is a faithful and moving adaptation that brings Aza Holmes’ story to the screen with care and sensitivity. The performances, especially by Isabela Merced and Cree, are heartfelt and compelling and the film’s portrayal of mental illness is both honest and empathetic. While the mystery subplot doesn’t hit as hard as I’d hoped, the emotional depth and focus on Aza’s mental health make this a must-watch for fans of the book and anyone interested in a character driven drama.

I'd rate it a ⅘.

It's a poignant and beautifully made film that tackles difficult themes with care. It is also an emotional journey that lingers with you long after the credits roll. It’s not perfect, but its heart is in the right place.

You should see it!