Good Side of Bad

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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 5/5 Stars •  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 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/17/25 Full Review Audience Member Great film. Impotent topic. Watch! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Selina R Such a beautiful film, I really loved it! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/25 Full Review Amy A What a beautiful, important film. Rated 5/5 Stars •  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 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/08/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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