Parents' Guide to Butter

This is a heartbreaking but important drama about mental health, obesity, and giving people in need proper support. In many ways, Butter isn't a movie for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to facing the turbulent emotions that many people with suicidal ideation have. But, actually it's because the film is challenging that everyone should watch it at least once. The film's goal is to make you feel more empathetic toward people who have tough mental health journeys and hopefully compel you to reach out to those in your life who might need a shoulder to lean on.

The cast excellently portrays the myriad of societal effects that can drain someone's mental health, with Kersting offering a moving portrayal of Marshall, who feels imprisoned by his body (and even more so by his friends and family, who seem to not fully understand his pain until it's nearly too late). His yearning to seem "normal" is something that most people will be able to relate to, because most of us are prone to worrying at some point that our life is worse or somehow more "abnormal" than everyone else's. What Butter wants viewers to come away with is the fact that we all have areas we need support with, and we can also be a support for others. But the only way we can address our own needs and those of others is to be open and to communicate. Indeed, the biggest lesson the characters come away with, especially Marshall, is that there's no shame in telling someone you need help. Through getting help, you can learn to love yourself more authentically.

Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or by phone at 1-800-273-8255 (for the deaf and hard of hearing, contact 1-800-799-4889). Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454.