Author: Hope G
Editor: Ricky M
Often when we consume media we can see the glorification of drugs in film and TV, not often do we see the realities of drug abuse and its negative effects and consequences. We believe at Sober Support that it’s incredibly important to be honest and real, especially within the media we produce and the media we consume. If you are a movie lover and you’re trying to find something that tells the truth of drug abuse but overall is a great watch, then here is your one stop shop to find those movies!
Beautiful Boy (2018)
To kick off this list we’re starting with Beautiful Boy (2018). This film is an adaptation of a memoir by David Sheff and it covers the journey of a father through his son’s addiction. The film is beautifully made with Steve Carell portraying father, David Sheff, and Timothee Chalamet portraying his son, Nic Sheff. Chalamet is able to capture the ups and downs of addiction as the film shows the different situations in which he is battling between his addiction and reality. Carell is perfectly able to capture the struggle of loving someone with an addiction and how the person you once knew is slowly becoming someone entirely different. The relationship between father and son and joys and pains within their story is an absolute must watch. Not only will the film guarantee to make you cry, but it enables a sense of hope and instills the message that recovery is possible no matter how many setbacks you face. The film is a testament to the idea that love truly is a force to be reckoned with.
Heroin(e) (2017)
The next film that is definitely worth your time is the documentary short Heroin(e) (2017). The film is only 39 minutes long but it is sure to leave a lasting effect on your perspective for years to come. The film follows three women; a fire chief (Jan Rader), a missionary (Necia Freeman), and a judge (Patricia Keller) and their fight to end the opioid epidemic. The film takes place in Huntington, West Virginia, a once bustling city which has now become America’s opioid epicenter. Director, Elaine McMillion Sheldon, is able to capture the rawness of addiction within the city while also examining who is combating this issue. The film is able to show real people with real issues as well as showing the real people trying to help. The film was nominated for an Academy award for best documentary short subject and rightfully so. If you’re looking for a documentary that is engaging and covers the topic of addiction, then this should be at the top of your list.
All In All…
To conclude, there are so many other movies worth mentioning such as Trainspotting, Everything Must Go, and The Anonymous People. I could truly spend all day talking about the the different incredible films that discuss and ocver drug abuse and recovery but I’ll leave you with these options here. Rememeber to be smart with the media you consume and take to heart, not every film is going to be as accurate and real with such sensitive topics so it’s important to pay attention and think about what you’re watching.