Cinema Scholars presents a review for the film Broken Diamonds starring Ben Platt and Lola Kirke, ahead of its release by FilmRise and in theaters nationwide and On Demand on July 23, 2021.
Introduction
Mental health issues have always been a tricky and usually touchy subject – in both real life and on film. In recent years major strides have been made in normalizing the wide array of conditions under the umbrella of mental health disorders that affect so many. Nevertheless, the stigma surrounding the invisible ailment is still alive and well.
While it is obvious that people with these conditions suffer greatly, the toll the illness takes on family and friends often goes unrecognized. This review of the film Broken Diamonds highlights director Peter Sattler’s (Camp X-Ray) exploration of the devastating effects of mental illness on both sides of the equation.
Synopsis
The film opens with a going away party for Scott (Ben Platt), a twenty-something waiter who is finally following his dream of moving to Paris to write a novel. Sadly, the celebration is cut short when Scott learns that his father suddenly passed away.
As if that isn’t enough of a gut punch, Scott’s situation is further complicated by the fact that his sister Cindy (Lola Kirke), who has been institutionalized their entire adult life due to severe schizophrenia, has been kicked out of her current facility. Unfortunately, the new treatment center that has accepted Cindy has no vacancy for two weeks.
With his mother out of the picture, it falls on Scott to contend with his sister’s care this time. While the clock counts down to his much-anticipated departure, Scott must deal with his sister’s complicated issues as well as his issues that bubble to the surface as a result of the drama.
Analysis
At first, Broken Diamonds seems like the usual quirky indie movie. Poppy hipster songs accompany scenes of young adults figuring out their latest predicament. Sequences move along quickly with obligatory dialogue that is both awkward and witty. In rather a cliche fashion, everything seems to go wrong for Scott.
And surprise! Cindy inevitably goes off her meds. Just when it seems like Broken Diamonds is going to continue down its well-trodden path, the film transitions into heavy, thought-provoking dramatic territory that is as impressive as it is heart-wrenching. Sporadic flashback blips provide just enough backstory into the siblings’ past without bogging down the current narrative.
By employing a fractured style for these quick clues, director Peter Sattler creates a mosaic sub-storyline. It crystallizes for the audience as it does the protagonist. Further themes of understanding and self-awareness emerge as Scott realizes just how sick his sister is.
While the dramatic turn in Broken Diamonds is obvious, Sattler doesn’t let the story spiral completely into morose territory. By highlighting Scott’s self-discovery regarding his sister’s illness rather than focusing on Cindy’s current state. We are introduced to a different conversation about how we treat those with mental health conditions.
It is extremely difficult for people to understand the reasons their loved ones are incapable of controlling their behavior. Stories like this help take the onus off the afflicted and put it where it belongs, on their disease.
Performances
Ben Platt skillfully holds down the emotional film as the unconventional leading man. He shrewdly gives the downtrodden Scott a good sense of wit to offset his character’s lack of confidence. And when Scott’s serious self-discovery hits full tilt, so does Platt’s proficiency at conveying a torrent of emotions.
Special kudos go to Lola Kirke as the tragically unhinged Cindy. Without playing into stereotypes, Kirke paints a lovely and honest portrait of a person with severe mental illness. Inherent to this type of role, Kirke fully explores a character with dueling personalities, the medicated and the unmedicated. Her careful representation pays respect to Cindy while honestly depicting the many challenges facing those with such a condition.
Summary
Broken Diamonds is a complex story of deep-seated anxiety from childhood trauma that is compounded by extreme current circumstances. While the story centers on mental health issues, it’s fair to say that the themes are relatable for anyone dealing with big feelings about tough subjects.
Furthermore, ideas of navigating life with a loved one who has mental illness also fit into the broader conversation about understanding and acceptance of those who aren’t neurotypical or fall in the autism spectrum. It is a tough line to tow. Not everyone has the emotional capacity to handle the chronic patterns of erratic behavior that are so often a hallmark of mental illness.
Conclusion
Fortunately, this review of the film Broken Diamonds finds a satisfying resolution without betraying the ongoing real-life hardships people face in similar situations. Thanks to screenwriters like Steve Waverly, stories like Scott and Cindy’s help pave the way to a better understanding of mental illness and all those affected by it.
FilmRise debuts Broken Diamonds in theaters and On Demand on July 23, 2021.
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