Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm British comedy deals with mental health, adult themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The More You Ignore Me
What's the Story?
In THE MORE YOU IGNORE ME, teenager Alice (Ella Hunt) lives with her father, Keith (Mark Addy) and mother, Gina (Sheridan Smith) who suffers with her mental health and is prone to psychotic episodes. Alice is stuck playing part-time teenager and part-time caregiver, and develops an obsession with The Smith's frontman Morrissey as a way to escape her family life. Meanwhile, her mother's own obsession with the local weatherman lands her back in the local psychiatric unit and on medication that leaves her mostly unresponsive. As the years go by, Ella wishes she had a "normal" mother and convinces a local nurse (Sally Phillips) to reduce her mother's medication, resulting in a surprising freedom for everyone concerned.
Is It Any Good?
This film is adapted by comedian Jo Brand from her own novel of the same name, which quickly becomes evident in its dark, observational humor. The More You Ignore Me is a very British affair, set in a small town outside of Blackpool, England, and firmly rooted in the 1980s -- the settings evoking a gritty realism and sense of claustrophobia that accentuates the characters' desire to escape. The performances are strong all round, Smith having a field day with some of the more bizarre episodes that stem from Gina's mental illness.
Yet there are moments when debut director Keith English risks crossing a line when it comes to taste -- such as a scene in which Gina deliriously bounces down the road on a space hopper accompanied by the song lyrics "Madness, they call it madness." Though the tone is uneven, a mix of genuinely heartwarming moments and energetic interludes keep the story on track and the ending is an unexpected yet welcome challenge to our perception of mental illness and its impact on an individual's happiness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how mental illness is portrayed in The More You Ignore Me. Do you think it's an accurate portrayal? Is Gina a sympathetic character or a figure of fun? If the latter, why could this be problematic? Discuss how mental illness is portrayed in other movies you may have seen.
How does Gina's illness affect Keith and Alice's day-to-day lives?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
How is sex depicted in the movie? Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How does Morrissey represent a form of escapism for Alice? How do you like to unwind and remove yourself from any worries you might be having?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 6, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2020
- Cast : Sheridan Smith , Mark Addy , Ella Hunt
- Director : Keith English
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vega Baby Releasing
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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