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Good Side of Bad

Play trailer 1:37 Poster for Good Side of Bad 2023 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Good Side of Bad

Critics Reviews

View All (8) Critics Reviews
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 Emiliano Basile EscribiendoCine ...Good Side of Bad is a call to reflect on the importance of empathy, mutual support and access to adequate treatment. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 7/10 Jan 7, 2025 Full Review Federico Furzan Movie-Blogger.com A compelling depiction of mental health issues that makes you care for its morally flawed characters. Dec 27, 2024 Full Review Debopriyaa Dutta High on Films Good Side of Bad might not be flawless, especially when it comes to pacing and how the acts are structured, but the beating heart of [Alethea] Root’s feature rings loud and true, its conviction refusing to be dimmed. Rated: 3.5/5 Dec 25, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gretchen D Good Side of Bad is a quietly arresting indie drama that explores mental illness and family dysfunction with honesty, empathy, and restraint. Directed Althea Root resists melodrama and goes for a grounded, character-driven approach that honors the subject matter. Anyone who has experience with mental health issues will appreciate the film's veracity. Oscar nominee Tess Harper plays the matriarch of a family in crisis with a panache that recalls her performance opposite Robert Duvall in Tender Mercies. Jules Bruff (Zodiac) delivers a subtle, affecting performance, embodying a quiet mania in denial as a woman trying to keep her family afloat while struggling with her own unraveling. Her presence is calm on the surface, but charged with internal tension. As a breakout role by a newcomer, Lexi Simonson's portrayal as a young woman in crisis is akin to Jennifer Lawrence's in Winter's Bone. With raw vulnerability and unsettling realism, her performance is both fearless and deeply human. Complementing the emotional tone is an atmospheric score by songwriter David Poe, whose music moves like a shadow under the narrative—minimalist, moody, and perfectly in tune with the film’s emotional cadence. Good Side of Bad doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers something more meaningful: compassion, nuance, and truth. It’s a modest film that leaves a lasting impression. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/10/25 Full Review G S Such an authentic slice of what's like living with loving and being family to someone with mental illness. Really thoughtfully shared interpretation of the novel of the same name. Heartfelt and intimate. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/17/25 Full Review Audience Member Great film. Impotent topic. Watch! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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
Charming Stranger Films, 8743 Productions, Truth13 Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 7, 2025
Runtime
1h 36m
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