Somehow REVEU saves the day, and both sisters eventually end up doing well for themselves. Of course, there’s way more to it than that, but you have to watch the movie to find out what that means. The most important thing that For My Sister does is point out the problems with the mental health care system in this country and the misguided, bizarre opinions that people have about it.
I would say that the subject matter is the most essential thing about For My Sister. The execution of delivering this subject matter is sometimes off the mark. Without naming names, some of the acting is subpar, to be polite. Some scenarios demand way too much suspension of disbelief, and there’s not enough meat on the script to back them up. Keep in mind, though, that this is Rhenals’s first feature film, and almost no one’s first feature is a complete home run.
“…the subject matter is the most essential thing about For My Sister.”
I think that the message of his film is important enough to have patience with some of the more frustrating aspects of it. Especially if you know anyone who thinks mental health problems aren’t “real” or that taking medication somehow makes you “weak,” show them this movie. It shows how anyone, anywhere, can suffer from depression or anxiety, or worse and that we as a society need to be more accepting of this fact. I think that we are further along in the fight than the movie portrays, but then again, I live in New York City, where our government officials generally aren’t completely insane, I mean aside from everyone’s favorite shirt-tucker, Rudy Giuliani (who thankfully isn’t in charge of anything I have to do with anymore). Rhenals hails from Florida, and we all know that their politics are wackadoo, especially considering that they have a “stand your ground” law, but that’s a whole other can of worms.
For My Sister is exceptionally relevant, especially right now, with the impending election. A lot of people’s mental health is precarious at best. The world, our country, in particular, is a stressful place. Some people are hardwired to deal with it better than others. Watch this movie to remember that just because someone doesn’t have the same emotional response to something as you do, it doesn’t make them crazy or less-than. More people than you could ever imagine are suffering from mental health issues, and now, more than ever, there needs to be compassion with and acceptance of this reality. These are all thoughts that For My Sister dredged up, so I think that’s a testament to the power that it holds, even though it may be a bit flawed.
"…if you know anyone who thinks mental health problems aren't 'real' or that taking medication somehow makes you 'weak,' show them this movie."
