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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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100% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter 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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Good Side of Bad

Critics Reviews

View All (11) 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 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steven L I am a therapist specializing in addiction, but I often look for movies that depict mental health issues in general to see how well/compassionately they are addressed. What struck me about this movie was not just its loving depiction of the challenges people struggling with schizophrenia have, but most importantly the challenges faced by the family members of the sufferers. I can't recommend this movie highly enough. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Catherine Jane O Jules Bruff’s The Good Side of Bad is one of those rare indie films that hits you right in the gut and you welcome the blow. It’s a raw, honest look at mental illness and how it affects not just the person struggling but their whole family. The performances feel so authentic, especially Bruff’s.  What I love most is that it doesn’t sugarcoat anything or tie things up neatly. It’s messy, complicated, and painfully real, but it also finds moments of deep hope. This isn’t just a film; it’s an experience that makes you think and feel in a way a lot of movies don’t. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, perfect. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Nikki B What a beautiful film! The performances across the board were engaging and the thoughtful pacing anchored a movie already imbued with depth. It was hopeful while being realistic, which is always much appreciated from this moviegoer! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Emily E I had the privilege of seeing this film at the 2023 Albuquerque Film and Music Experience, and it was one of the highlights of the festival for me. Mental health can be a sticky topic in movies, often tasteless and over-dramatized, but this is an honest and true film. Good Side of Bad is empathetic, nuanced, and well-acted... definitely worth the watch. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review John G This is a really nice movie. The work being done by all of the actors is incredibly relaxed and unforced and the entire film is beautifully directed. The filmmakers find a way to deal with some very serious subject matter with enough breath and levity to make what could have been a very heavy film not just palatable but a real joy to live through. I also learned a great deal about mental illness, specifically in terms of the effect it has on loved ones. This is also a hopeful movie that will leave your heart warmed. It’s well worth your time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Dominique K Very insightful movie, well made and well played. It will send you on a journey on how a mental illness can affect a family. A must see!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Good Side of Bad

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Cast & Crew

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
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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