Good Side of Bad

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1:37

Good Side of Bad

2023

1h 36m

Drama

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11 Reviews

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50+ Ratings

Three adult siblings are brought back together after a shocking diagnosis forces them to confront harsh future realities regarding the mental state of one of their own. A raw and intimate look into what it means to be a family navigating the waters of mental illness, GOOD SIDE OF BAD film dives into humanity's dark places while illuminating the love, laughter, and light discovered when you reconnect with those closest to you. Based on the bestselling book The Good Side of Bad, this raw family drama touches on our shared human experience of disconnectedness, and how connecting to each other is ultimately the best way to help one another.

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Martin Carr

martincarr.co.uk

Adapted from the award-winning novel by Beverly Olevin, Good Side of Bad proves to be a unique adaptation. Tipping a hat to David O. Russell and Silver Linings Playbook, co-writer-director Alethea Root explores mental illness in this family melodrama.

Feb 1, 2025

Full Review

Matthew Turner

Action Reloaded

A sensitively directed and quietly moving story about an imperfect, slightly fractured family...[with] an effective and powerful message about accepting the need for help

Rated: 3/5

Jan 28, 2025

Full Review

Abbie Bernstein

Assignment X

A drama about the effects of one sibling’s mental illness on the family.

Rated: B

Jan 27, 2025

Full Review

Ronak Kotecha

ReviewRon

Here’s a pretty affecting meditation on mental illness, familial animosity and human drama

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 13, 2025

Full Review

Alejandro Turdó

Hoy Sale Cine

Good Side of Bad holds no punches when it comes to convey a story about inherent human imperfections, dysfunctional families and always sticking to your loved ones.

Jan 10, 2025

Full Review

Tony Asankomah

GhMovieFreak

It’s a touching reminder of the power of connection and an honest portrayal of the resilience required to face mental health challenges both as individuals and as families.

Rated: 7.5/10

Jan 8, 2025

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Selina R

Such a beautiful film, I really loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

Full Review

Amy A

What a beautiful, important film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

Full Review

Ruth H

Rarely do you see a film that captures all the sides of mental health crises in a family. Good Side of Bad does just that in a compelling and realistic way. The acting is excellent as we see the characters developed and their perspectives highlighted and changed. I recommend this film for anyone who wants to better understand the ins and outs of mental illness and how families need to come together to address the issues.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Captivating, and entertaining, a must see for anyone in the mental health community! Very relatable, and entertaining to the bitter end. Great story line and engaging!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

Full Review

Erika A

Beautifully written and acted, 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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Emotional and relatable with solid, heartfelt performances. Good Side of Bad is a unique, slice of life film about the struggles of taking care of an ill family member on top of the complexities of sibling relationships.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

Full Review

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Alethea Root

Director

Jules Bruff

Actor

Lexi Simonsen

Actor

Alex Quijano

Actor

Myles Grier

Dennis

Kim Estes

Dr. Richardson

Good Side of Bad: Teaser Trailer

1:37

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Synopsis

Three adult siblings are brought back together after a shocking diagnosis forces them to confront harsh future realities regarding the mental state of one of their own. A raw and intimate look into what it means to be a family navigating the waters of mental illness, GOOD SIDE OF BAD film dives into humanity's dark places while illuminating the love, laughter, and light discovered when you reconnect with those closest to you. Based on the bestselling book The Good Side of Bad, this raw family drama touches on our shared human experience of disconnectedness, and how connecting to each other is ultimately the best way to help one another.

Director: Alethea Root
Producer: Alethea Root, Jules Bruff, Mark David, Katie Von Till, Jenny Napier, Connie Jo Sechrist
Screenwriter: Ciera Danielle, Jules Bruff, Alethea Root, Ciera Danielle, Alethea Root, Jules Bruff
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Production Co: 8743 Productions, Truth13 Productions, Charming Stranger Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 7, 2025
Runtime: 1h 36m

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