Words on Bathroom Walls (2020)

Diagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to not be defined by his condition.

Director:

Thor Freudenthal

Writers:

Nick Naveda (screenplay by), Julia Walton (based on the book by)

Stars:

Charlie Plummer, Andy Garcia, Taylor Russell

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charlie Plummer	...	Adam
Andy Garcia	...	Father Patrick
Taylor Russell	...	Maya
AnnaSophia Robb	...	Rebecca
Beth Grant	...	Sister Catherine
Devon Bostick	...	Joaquin
Lobo Sebastian	...	Bodyguard
Molly Parker	...	Beth
Walton Goggins	...	Paul
Aaron Dominguez	...	Todd
Reinaldo Faberlle	...	Manuel
Jeris Donovan	...	Woman
Iain Tucker	...	Ahole Teenager
Sean Michael Weber	...	Paramedic
Drew Scheid	...	Ted

Storyline

The story of witty and introspective Adam (Charlie Plummer), who appears to be your typical young adult - a little unkempt with raging hormones and excited about a future pursuing his dream of becoming a chef. Expelled halfway through his senior year following an incident in chemistry class, Adam is diagnosed with a mental illness. Sent to a Catholic academy to finish out his term, Adam has little hope of fitting in and just wants to keep his illness secret until he can enroll in culinary school. But when he meets outspoken and fiercely intelligent Maya (Taylor Russell), there is an instant soulful and comforting connection. As their romance deepens, she inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition. Now, with the love and support of his girlfriend and family, Adam is hopeful for the very first time that he can see the light and triumph over the challenges that lie ahead.

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Plot Keywords:

based on young adult novel | schizophrenia | hallucination | hospital | restraint | 

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Taglines:

If You Can't Trust Your Mind, Trust Your Heart

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

PG-13 for mature thematic content involving mental illness, some sexual references, strong language and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

Molly Parker and Taylor Russell play mother and daughter on Lost in Space (2018).

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Goofs

Near the ending of the film, Adam is placed on suicide watch at a mental hospital after attempting suicide. The writers show that the mother is unable to bring toothpicks in for a dish she is bringing to Adam. The room Adam is in, however, has clearly exposed electrical sockets and even an easily breakable ceramic lamp, none of which would be located in the room of someone on suicide watch. Patients generally are kept from electrocuting themselves or cutting themselves on broken glass.

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Connections

References A Brief History of Time (1991)

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Soundtracks

If Walls Could Talk
Written by Andrew Taggart, Tony Ann and Emily Warren
Performed by The Chainsmokers
Published by Sony/ATV Allegro, Nice Hair Publishing, Tony Ann Publishing and Prescription Songs (ASCAP) / Havenwood House (ASCAP)
Administered by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing (ASCAP)
Courtesy of Disruptor Records / Columbia Records, by arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

User Reviews

This was SO worth the wait!

My daughter and I went on our first trip back to the movie theater yesterday for this movie. We had seen the trailer online and were waiting for the chance to see it on the big screen. We were not disappointed. I loved the character of Adam, who is trying his hardest to keep his sanity. I can't speak to the portrayal of schizophrenia and whether or not it's accurate, but it sure was sobering. The characters felt real and sympathetic, even though there were some cliches that I saw coming from a mile away. Yes, it ties everything up in a nice neat little bow at the end, but that's Hollywood. There was a ton of wisdom in this movie about accepting yourself, flaws and all, as well as accepting other people in the same way. I have to say that I think Andy Garcia was my favorite, although Charlie Plummer is a very close second. Go see it. You won't be sorry.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 August 2020 (USA)

Also Known As:

Words on Bathroom Walls

Filming Locations:

North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$432,968, 23 August 2020

Gross USA:

$2,542,518

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,073,857

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kick the Habit Productions, LD Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1