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Brain on Fire

Play trailer 1:55 Poster for Brain on Fire PG-13 2016 1h 35m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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13% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Susannah Cahalan, an up-and-coming journalist at the New York Post becomes plagued by voices in her head and seizures. As weeks progress and Susannah quickly moves deeper into insanity, her behaviors shift from violence to catatonia. After a series of tantrums, misdiagnoses, and a lengthy hospital stay, a doctor's last-minute intervention enables him to give her a diagnosis and a chance to rebuild her life.
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Brain on Fire

Critics Reviews

View All (15) Critics Reviews
David Rooney Hollywood Reporter We watch Chloe Grace Moretz's epic meltdown from a bored distance, until the drama remembers its lost calling as a disease-of-the-week movie. At that point, we receive the abrupt news of a cure with an indifferent shrug. Sep 19, 2016 Full Review Wendy Ide Screen International Despite the fact that Susannah eventually manages to claw her way back from the brink of madness, this is a downbeat slog of a film which tells a not particularly involving story. Sep 19, 2016 Full Review Peter Debruge Variety It's the sort of role for which the Razzies were invented, and what little audience it finds will almost certainly be heckling as they watch Moretz implode. Sep 18, 2016 Full Review Alec Bojalad Den of Geek Brain on Fire is like a virus itself, trying to infect an otherwise interest story with its own mediocre movie clichés. Rated: 2.5/5 Mar 1, 2019 Full Review Renee Schonfeld Common Sense Media Brain condition ravages young reporter's life; swearing. Rated: 2/5 Jun 27, 2018 Full Review Kahron Spearman The Daily Dot Despite its best efforts... Brain on Fire is a 90-minute shrug. Jun 27, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (156) audience reviews
Hei D I admit I had to press the forward button a few times during the various melt-downs. But it's a must-see both for the topic itself and great acting. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/01/24 Full Review Audience Member Who are these “ critics “ , they should find other things to do because their comments are insanely wrong !!, this movie is based on real life and as far as I am concerned was very well acted , the movie I enjoyed , definitely a must watch movie and it has a feel good factor , especially when they diagnoses was found by the DR , Charlize Theron directed this movie and it has a great cast of actors too ! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/21/24 Full Review K C This film is so beautifully done, it is a brave thing to make something so vulnerable. It helps people understand the feeling of being misunderstood, especially in a medical setting. It may not be for everyone, because it's quite heavy in certain areas, but if you can watch this you should. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review Arieana s I liked this movie because despite the things happening to Susannah (Main character) her boyfriend had stayed with her and when everyone figured out what was going on with her she got better, I also like this movie because it brings more attention to real, rare diseases. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/12/23 Full Review Moody C Critics seem way too harsh. I was entertained and acting was top notch. This is based on a true story that bring to light a medical condition and also teaches that even if doctors give up, you shouldn't and shud seek 2nd opinion Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/01/23 Full Review Patricia P Critics are crazy! This movie is amazing. I recommend it Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Brain on Fire

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Susannah Cahalan, an up-and-coming journalist at the New York Post becomes plagued by voices in her head and seizures. As weeks progress and Susannah quickly moves deeper into insanity, her behaviors shift from violence to catatonia. After a series of tantrums, misdiagnoses, and a lengthy hospital stay, a doctor's last-minute intervention enables him to give her a diagnosis and a chance to rebuild her life.
Director
Gerard Barrett
Producer
Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, Lindsay MacAdam, Rob Merilees, A.J. Dix
Screenwriter
Gerard Barrett
Production Co
Foundation Features, Broad Green Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Partial Nudity|Brief Language)
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 22, 2018
Runtime
1h 35m
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