The adaptation of the 2015 novel “All the Bright Places” debuted on Netflix last month, and it portrays a beautiful love story that is undermined by tragic circumstances that make up the worst parts of the teenage experience.
Three years after John Green introduced fans to the tragic teenage romance genre in his novel “The Fault in Our Stars,” author Jennifer Niven followed suit, giving readers two young protagonists whose mental and social struggles exclude them from the world, while simultaneously bringing them closer to one another.
The film’s casting helps bring Niven’s characters to life. Justice Smith plays Theodore Finch, a smooth-talking tortured soul whose battle with mental illness does not stop him from taking an interest in Violet Markey after he finds her contemplating suicide on a bridge. Though she plays a distressed teen in this film, fans will recognize Markey as she is portrayed by Elle Fanning, who is better known for her role as Princess Aurora in Disney’s “Maleficent.”
With TV shows and films like “Sex Education,” “Euphoria” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” becoming more prevalent, it’s evident that the entertainment industry is experiencing a shift as directors, writers and actors are highlighting real teenage issues with plotlines that are both graphic and emotionally jarring.
“All the Bright Places” is no exception to this new shift. The Netflix adaptation does not apologize for its realistic depictions of mental illness, suicide, trauma and survivor’s guilt.
Like most teenage romance movies, it’s assumed that love will win in the end, triumphing over the emotional damage that initially brings the characters together. Sadly, life often doesn’t play out this way, and this story does not end with a happily ever after.
The film makes an interesting choice with the love story plot. Instead of falling into the stereotypical idea that love will fix everything and lead to a happy ending, the author and director successfully emphasize the opposite.
Love is not a magic potion that will erase the pangs of past trauma, and to show this, the film does not end with a perfect kiss or an iconic grand gesture. Finch and Violet’s story shows fans that although love is not flawless, it does have a healing quality.
Despite the film’s best efforts, the couple often falls into clichéd territory. Finch is the weird kid at school whose reputation pushes him to be reckless, and Violet is the pretty blonde whose inner turmoil over her sister’s death goes unnoticed by the people she’s closest to. The storyline of the freak falling for the popular girl is overused, but Smith and Fanning save it with their undeniable chemistry. Even though their relationship is expected, there is something beautiful about believing that two people can be broken and still fit together.
Where would you wander to Lovelies? ??? #AllTheBrightPlaces #AllTheBrightPlacesMovie #VioletMarkey #Finch #ElleFanning #JusticeSmith pic.twitter.com/zY0ru8Sqn0
— All The Bright Places (@AllBrightPlaces) March 5, 2020
While much of the screen time focuses on Violet and Finch’s journey to discover the hidden jewels of rural Indiana, it’s safe to say that this film does not forget about its supporting cast, as much of the commentary on mental health issues comes from scenes with these supporting characters.
Finch’s friends, Kate, played by Alexandra Shipp, and Charlie, played by Lamar Johnson, remind viewers that mental illness doesn’t just affect one person; it also alters the relationships with those around them. And smaller characters like Amanda, played by Virginia Gardner, remind audiences that illnesses are often isolating, and people can never truly know what someone else is going through.
Of course, this love story is not perfect, and it’s safe to say that viewers can expect to see some toxic behavior as both characters try to navigate newfound love amid past trauma that forces its way to the surface. However, there is some beauty within the pain. The film reminds audiences that love — especially young love — is difficult. Add in some real-life trials like survivor’s guilt and the past of an abusive father, and it seems like there is no light left.
Viewers should be ready with a box of tissues, but if they can stop the tears for a minute, it’s easy to see that there is a happy ending — even if it’s not the conventional one they might be looking for. The film makes strides in the discussion and portrayal of mental health, and even if it is just a movie, it’s a step forward that should be acknowledged.
“All the Bright Places,” contrary to its title, doesn’t leave viewers in a very bright place. However, the film tells a realistic love story that will simultaneously win and break hearts, and it raises awareness for an issue that requires more attention — mental illness in teenagers. The plot may lead to tears, but viewers will not regret following Finch and Violet as they discover the healing power of love and the new places it takes them.
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