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Good Side of Bad

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1:37

Good Side of Bad

2023

1h 36m

Drama

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8 Reviews

100%

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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

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

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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

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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

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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: 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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