This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 209! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hi friends!
I just finished watching “Turtles All the Way Down,” directed by the super talented Hannah Marks, and let me tell you, it’s a trip worth taking. First off, this movie is based on John Green’s novel of the same name, which I absolutely adored, so you can imagine me sitting there with my popcorn, super hyped.
Now, if you haven’t heard about this movie, let me paint you a picture without giving too much away. The story orbits around Aza Holmes, a high school girl struggling with OCD and anxiety who’s trying to lead an ordinary life despite her spiraling thoughts that just won’t quit. This isn’t a typical teen drama, but rather an exploration into the intricacies of her mind, which, let me tell you, is both enlightening and heart-wrenching.
Aza, played by the amazing Isabela Merced, seriously brought her A-game. She captures every nuance of Aza’s internal struggles with such precision, it’s like she’s living it. Her depiction is raw and real—she gets under your skin in the best possible way. She brings such a raw, genuine portrayal to the character that I felt every bit of Aza’s spiraling thoughts and her intense fear of the human microbiome (germs, basically). There’s this one scene where she’s looking at a wound on her finger, and you can just feel the overwhelming panic setting in. It’s palpable, and it’s unsettling. Totally drew me in.
Now, her life takes a wild turn when a billionaire goes missing, and there’s a hefty reward for any info. Aza and her fearless best friend Daisy (brought to life by the quirky Cree Cicchino), decide to turn detectives, and that’s where things get interesting.
The plot thickens when Aza reconnects with the missing billionaire’s son, Davis, played by the charming Felix Mallard. Cue the emotional tornado. Davis is this enigmatic billionaire’s son who’s dealing with his own mess of problems, including his dad’s mysterious disappearance. The chemistry between Merced and Mallard is amazing! Their relationship unfolds with such a delicate, bittersweet tension that you’re rooting for them, despite knowing the love might be too much for Aza to handle.
What really makes the film stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the messy, often painful inner battles of mental illness. It’s not just about the romance or the mystery; it’s Aza’s internal struggle that’s the real heartbeat of the film. And boy, does it thump loudly!
Director Hannah Marks has a knack for getting right into the thick of teenage angst and the chaos of dealing with mental health issues, all while keeping the film aesthetically pleasing and tight. The visuals? Stunning. Every frame feels like a window into Aza’s soul, especially those close-ups that capture the chaos brewing beneath her calm exterior.
One of my favorite scenes – and no spoilers here – is this beautifully shot sequence at Davis’ observatory. It’s just Aza and Davis, with the stars lighting up the sky around them, and for a moment, her spiraling thoughts seem to pause. It’s quiet, intimate, and you can almost hear the crackle of the tension between them. It’s scenes like this that make you forget you’re watching a film.
So yeah, “Turtles All the Way Down” is a compelling dive into the complexities of the human mind, wrapped up in a mystery that keeps you hooked till the last frame. If you’re into films that make you think and feel all the feels, this is your ticket. Hannah Marks has really knocked it out of the park with this one.
TTFN,
Roger