Movies about trauma can leave a lasting impact on the viewers, particularly if the events depicted are relatable to them. The beauty behind cinema, in general, is that it can touch the hearts and lives of so many people with different backgrounds or struggles. Movies allow the audience to place their hearts into the actors and fully feel and heal with them.
Trauma in movies represents any events or circumstances that have a devastating impact on the characters involved. These specific events may alter the entire lives of those in the film. Since these movies usually contain sensitive subjects or events, it is advised to watch them intently.
Although it is uneasy to see the traumatic events unravel in the film, it raises awareness for specific hardships that those outside of it may be unaware of. It reflects life and dark spaces that audiences are unexposed to. These films also help navigate hard conversations when it comes to verbally explaining such hardships. Also, when someone watches movies about trauma, it facilitates a sense of empathy. This level of empathy is generated through these films because they educate those who may be unaware of certain unfortunate life events.
Educating, raising awareness, and building empathy- all combine to raise mental health awareness. Mental health is crucial to the day-to-day lives of society. Trauma can be detrimental to mental health, so movies that showcase trauma really shed light on promoting healing and treatment. They are also revealing to those that might not realize they experienced trauma.
Based on my actual interpretations of these movies, I will discuss certain movies about trauma and the kind of trauma portrayed. This can also be a helpful guide when you are seeking films about real-life discussions and healing.
Movies About Trauma
1. Beautiful Boy (2018)
Based on memoirs from Nic and Jeff Sheff, this film dives into the heart-breaking struggles of the harsh realities of addiction. Based on a true story, this book and film were created from Sheff’s father’s point of view and guided by his unconditional love for his son, Nic, while he battles his addiction to methamphetamines. Through actual research and countless interviews with professionals, producers created this film to depict the emotional, dark, and heavy aspects of addiction. Something to note is that this highlights the perspective from the family’s side of someone battling addiction. The undying willingness to be there for a loved one is evident throughout the film. There is a constant battle between recovery, emotional trauma, and even grieving the past.
2. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Also, based on a book written by Stephen Chobsky, trauma throughout the film is highlighted through the lens of the main character, Charlie. It shows how unhealed trauma can hide and eventually creep up unwanted. Charlie experienced significant sudden loss and has always been an outcast. An essential theme behind this film is acceptance. The main character could fully branch out because a group of friends welcomed him and encouraged him to try new things. It returns to the common theme of never knowing someone’s story or struggles. Towards the end of the film, Charlie revisits the harsh reality of his past because the suppressed trauma from his abuse unravels in his memories for a long time.
3. The Last Song (2010)
This movie about trauma is based on one of the many books by Nicholas Sparks, and it emphasizes the realities of grief and healing. In the film, Ronnie’s parents are divorced, and her mother sends her to spend one summer with her father to build their relationship. As she discovers her first love and builds on her love for her father, Ronnie experiences the ability for love to leave us to hurt and heal. Love is one thing that can heal and leave impactful memories through the depths of trauma.
4. Raising Helen (2004)
Raising Helen highlights the emotional trauma a family endures from loss. It is a story about the aftermath of children losing their parents and undergoing massive changes in their day-to-day lives at various young ages. This movie shows what happens when facing hardships head-on and how the different stages of life cope. It is a mix of light-hearted moments with an overarching deep meaning of how life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye. It emphasizes the importance of family over materialistic values. This healing film depicts how family can play a major role in picking up broken pieces in life’s hardships.
5. Precious (2009)
This Movie about Trauma is a brutal, realistic film that shows the dark struggles someone can endure while being raised by an abusive family. Precious, the main character, faces horrific abuse by her own father and mother while struggling through poverty. Since she cannot read and write by the 9th grade, she eventually receives help through a unique program for those with poor living circumstances. It also raises awareness towards people who grow up in uncontrollable, horrific living conditions. Although the storyline is extremely sad and traumatic, there is an underlying lesson: it can just take any form of help or kindness to see the light and grow.
6. IT Chapter Two (2019)
This is the second movie from the movie IT, written by Stephen King, which is known as a horror film. However, there is a deeper common meaning behind the film that touches on the bitter-sweet play of nostalgia that the “Losers Club” members have to revisit. Although they defeated the clown IT in their childhood, 27 years later, they are forced to revisit critical parts of their childhood to take IT down one last time. As mentioned previously, this film unravels the aftermath of specific traumas in childhood and how they can impact someone in the long run. Now that the main cast reaches adulthood, they must fully face their dark past. It is a reminder that people hold particular traumas/backgrounds.
Themes in Movies about Trauma
In the movies that I included to discuss the trauma depicted, some of the common themes to note are loss and grief, PTSD, and survival and recovery. These themes present themselves individually and can be combined throughout these different productions. An essential part of these themes is that someone may be going through these traumas or know someone who is enduring these as well.
For a viewer to understand the essence of mental health, it is important to piece together the overall picture – even the uncomfortable parts. As discussed throughout the films, many of the causes and events behind the trauma may be unthinkable and force viewers to ask questions about the complexities life has to offer.
Ethical Considerations in Movies about Trauma
Those behind the lens when shooting these films need to respect the survivor’s experiences and avoid being insensitive. Movies about trauma need to include trigger warnings and even include resources for those who may have been through something or have felt deeply moved by the film.
Directors must also find the appropriate balance between being realistic and sensitive to viewers. Although these visuals contain uncomfortable, grim scenes, there is also material outside of them that provides accurate language and interactions. Prior to creating these movies, creators, and directors should consult with professionals who may have treated or been in the space for such traumatic occurrences.
Final Thoughts
Movies about trauma provide a clear perception of unique stories and help dive deeper into uncomfortable situations. They emphasize the importance of mental health and depict actual circumstances of some of the commonalities behind mental health struggles. When delivered effectively and appropriately, audiences can watch these movies at their discretion and utilize them to heal.
If you or a loved one is battling inner demons brought on by past trauma, proper help is available and there for the taking. To find trauma treatment near you for a past event, search for trauma by zip code or read more about trauma here.
