Common Sense Media Review
Powerful look at mental illnesses has graphic content.
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Girl, Interrupted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 52 kid reviews
Kids say the film presents a profound exploration of mental health, though it tackles heavy themes such as suicide, self-harm, and sexual abuse, which may be unsettling or triggering for younger viewers. Many praised the acting performances, particularly by the lead actresses, while emphasizing the importance of maturity when approaching its intense content.
- good message
- mature themes
- emotional impact
- strong performances
- triggering content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
GIRL, INTERRUPTED is an unsettling, provocative account of a young woman's journey through the depths of depression and her coming to terms with both her mental illness and with growing up. Based on a memoir by author Susanna Kaysen, the film chronicles Susanna's (Winona Ryder) suicide attempt, her relationship with her emotionally remote parents, and her intense relationships with other patients while she's hospitalized.
Is It Any Good?
This highly watchable and moving film follows Susanna's journey to reclaiming her mental health, but disconcerting depictions of 1960s-era treatments may be unsuitable for some. Still, Girl, Interrupted features strong, often complex friendships forged between women at the psychiatric hospital. Their frequent and loud confrontations can seem exaggerated for dramatic effect, with various illnesses viscerally portrayed, such as a girl who's addicted to laxatives and another recovering from abuse by her father, to a girl who struggles with a visible facial burn. Girl, Interrupted is at its best when exploring these women.
Because the film features popular actresses like Ryder and Angelina Jolie, kids may already be familiar with it and want to see it -- particularly because it's the movie that made Jolie a star. Yet it deals with such serious subject matter -- incest, suicide, drug abuse, and more -- that caregivers should consider whether it's appropriate for their kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of Susanna's illness on the various decisions she makes in Girl, Interrupted. How did Susanna's depression influence her behavior with Professor Gilcrest and Toby Jacobs?
Talk about Susanna's relationship with Lisa. How did Lisa both help and hurt Susanna's recovery?
Consider characters' abuse of prescription drugs throughout the film. How was Susanna different when she took her medications as directed by the doctors?
Susanna states that she's being unfairly labeled "promiscuous" because she's a sexually active girl. Why might people judge boys differently than girls when it comes to sex? Is Susanna right?
How is suicide addressed in this film? When is it important to talk about mental health, especially if you're worried about a friend or family member? Resources are available to help both kids and adults, including the Crisis Text Line -- an excellent way for phone-shy teens to reach out in times of need.
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : June 6, 2000
- Cast : Angelina Jolie , Clea Duvall , Winona Ryder
- Director : James Mangold
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong language and adult content
- Last updated : April 30, 2026
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