PopHorror Let's Get Scared
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Please be warned that this movie deals directly with suicidal ideations; I Feel Fine may not be the film for you. Or maybe, like me, you’ll face this with understanding and motivation. Either way, please read at your own risk.
The Beginning
Husband and wife Austin and Hailey Spicer have created a moving suicide drama that hits home like a punch in the gut. I deal with mental Illness on a daily, being diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder on top of other mental health issues. I never thought that a movie would hit me this hard. In this story, I faced much of myself, and watching supportive people do their best hurt a little. I know I have a wife and two kids, but I will always need a “babysitter,” like someone home with me to ensure I didn’t do anything drastic, and if I am home alone, there are regular phone call checks. I felt this story in my very soul.
Synopsis
Ozzy (Elijah Passmore, Twitter Files) is a teen with a condition. A condition that poses a very strong threat to Ozzy. Ozzy has OCD, only with suicidal ideation. This means that even at his happpiest times, Ozzy will have to fight the urge to give in. With supportive parents Donnie (Corin Nemec, Place Of Bones) and Margaret (Jana Lee Hamlin, I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore) and an empathtic teacher named Mr. Wayman (Daniel Roebuck, Rob Zombie’s Munsters movie) vow to never let him out of their sight. This makes it herd for Ozzy to make a romantic connection with the new girl Mia (Nandi Summers, Famsyrk). As we watch Ozzy to progress throughout the movie, you start rto realize how important is to everyone.
Can Ozzy win this mental war?
The Reaction
This was a heavy hitter for me. I had to take a long look at myself and remember that I had an excellent chance at life. Mental Illness is genuine; it’s kind of beyond clinical depression. Clinical depression could be based on the season, but they can bounce back almost immediately. There is so much more to it, and I Feel Fine is forever embedded in my thoughts. I had to look back at all the times I was hospitalized, and there were many times, basically for these reasons. I Feel Fine should be watched by everyone.
The Gray Area
Everyone has black-and-white thinking when it comes to suicidal ideation. The truth is there is a gray area. In the gray area, you wish to die but don’t want to do it yourself. This is where I balance myself out. I have a lot of excellent coping skills and a family that loves me for me, even if I messed up with love before; having a wife and kids pushes those thoughts out. I have to be a father, and getting help when needed is ok. As males, we are expected to stuff things or block them from our memory. Sometimes, we don’t know how to help someone in this position.
I Feel Fine is a wake-up call. Ozzy has a family that fully supports him and always shows concern and love. It’s almost a handbook for families to approach mental Illness. Without a doubt, I wish I had that much love in life. I’m a parent, and my big question was how my kids feel inside. I felt fine, and it brought me to that light, and I was thankful again. I couldn’t imagine how hard it would be to deal with someone like me. Ozzy’s parents keep him safe, even saving him once or twice.
In The End
I Feel Fine was something different; it had an original storyline and the It’s A Wonderful Life references. There are a lot of emotions beaming from the cast. This movie gives me hope for tomorrow; it’s believable and tasteful in that there are no drastic parts to be triggered as much. A lot of people have been in and out of my life. I have friends and a family, and if that means someone has to babysit me every moment, I now understand why. I Feel Fine is like watching my life without the diagnosis. This film digs deep into your brain and pushes you to understand the concepts and Ideas of someone in Ozzyy’s situation. I usually don’t do rating scales, but this movie gets a perfect 10. I hope more people walk away with a better appreciation for who they are.
Another Note
Suicide is one of the top causes of death in the United States. More people need things like this film to show them that it’s ok to love life enough to want to stick around for it. There are places and people to turn to; you don’t have to fight the battle in life. There are many better ways to end our existence, such as growing old. You wouldn’t be hurting anyone except everyone. If you are struggling, here is a list of national crisis hotlines in the US. There are also local numbers in your state.
I Feel Fine premiered on September 10th and is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741-741.
Crisis Support Services national helpline: 800-273-8255.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (substance abuse and mental health): 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
Teen Line for youth in need of support: 800-852-8336.
