NEW ON NETFLIX | 'To the Bone' film
'To The Bone' tells the story of a young woman, Ellen (Lily Collins), who is dealing with anorexia nervosa. When Ellen meets an unconventional doctor (Keanu Reeves), he challenges her to face her condition and embrace life.
Whenever controversial topics such as eating disorders, suicide or mental illness are explored onscreen, there will always be an outcry by those who watch it - no matter how sensitively it is dealt with. While 'To The Bone' hardly takes itself seriously, there are crippling scenes that are truly traumatic to watch, and yet, the director doesn't take it too far.
'To The Bone' explores dark and complex issues, with carefully placed humour to create an empathetic piece of work. It's not an easy film to watch, with the exploration of anorexia and matter-of-fact 'telling it like it is' approach, while giving the audience hope throughout - a welcome distraction from the treatment of the condition, displayed through the romantic sub-plot. Love may not cure all, but it certainly helps with the journey.
Netflix have learned their lesson, unlike in the case of '13 Reasons Why' where the subject matter and glamorisation of suicide was crippling to the point of outrage. With writer/director Marti Noxon and Collins in the lead role (both of whom are sufferers of eating disorders), there is a true authenticity to the story despite the unconventional methods of dealing with Ellen/Eli's eating disorder.
It's no doubt that viewers may be sceptical going into this film, especially those who suffer from similar disorders. 'To The Bone' is something that should be approached with caution, and shouldn't be taken with a grain of salt. An individual's experiences affect the way they perceive the world, and films and television shows addressing such subject matter may very well trigger an emotional response from past, present or potential sufferers.
For those who have not experienced the condition, or perhaps for those who know of someone who has, it could give potential insight into how someone with an eating disorder could be potentially going through.
Collins' performance, though emotionless and dry at times, showed evidence of talent and honesty; this comes from her actual experience with an eating disorder, adding to the authenticity of the film.
Where an awareness of disorders is on the rise, there still remains a stigma. 'To The Bone' only scratches the surface of the condition, but it is a start.
'To The Bone' is available on Netflix now.
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