'Good Side of Bad' Shows Two Sides of Psychosis

The picture on my social media captured me, as did the title: The Good Side of Bad. I clicked the link and viewed the trailer. It tells the story of three siblings, one of whom is struck by visions of hooded men and psychiatric treatment. I've seen portrayals of psychosis in film many times, but the sketch here gave a distinct vibe of realness.

Once the film hit streaming, I eagerly watched it.

The Good Side of Bad is a film about Florence, a spirited young photographer who becomes encircled by schizophrenia. Her sister seeks all avenues to reach her, and her brother comes alongside. Their mother, clouded by dementia and alcoholism, is removed.

Each individual and family's experience of a mental health crisis is as unique as a fingerprint. Yet, some commonalities strike a chord.

"I've seen this thing take off like wildfire, people not knowing they're sick, and the longer it's ignored, the bigger it gets."

Like a majority of people faced with mental health challenges, Florence does not recognize that she is ill in the beginning. It's not because she's in denial or doesn't want to accept it. Not knowing is a part of the disease called anosognosia (Lehrer and Lorenz, 2014). In many cases of neurological illness, it is common for the brain to be unaware of its impairment.

"Yes! I am mad at you."

While delusions, paranoia, bizarre behaviors, confused speech, grandiosity, and irritability swirl around Florence, her family seeks to follow. When your loved one is acting totally unlike themselves, it can be hard to understand. Florence's brother struggles to understand the changes he sees in his sister when we first meet him.

"Shrinks just pollute your mind."

Florence's well-being is at the mercy of her ability to receive treatment. Yet, like many living with schizophrenia, Florence is distrusting of help at the start. As a person who has experienced mental illness myself and resisted support as a young person, I can shed some light on this. When everything feels unfamiliar, offers of confinement, medication that could alter how you think, and even therapy can be scary. Yet, I can also attest that, with treatment, a full recovery is possible.

"Nothing tastes good, nothing sounds good, nothing feels anything."

One rarely covered aspect of schizophrenia is the negative symptoms. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions, are loud and noticeable. Negative symptoms are more insidious. These include disconnection from others, emotional blunting, and life feeling colorless. Though much quieter, individuals and families often find these less easily defined experiences particularly disruptive.

"Name one life that is normal."

Though psychosis is esoteric, it is on a continuum of normal. The Good Side of Bad vividly illustrates the absurdity of family crises of all kinds and strange similarities. It is relatable.

As for the rest, I will leave it for you to find when you watch the film. The Good Side of Bad is a beautiful and painfully accurate window into psychosis.