Self Medicated

Watch Self Medicated

  • R
  • 2005
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • 5.7  (925)
  • 51

Self Medicated is a gripping, coming-of-age drama film directed and written by Monty Lapica. The story revolves around a teenage boy named Andrew Eriksen (Monty Lapica), who is struggling to cope with his tumultuous past and present, filled with anger, confusion, pain, and self-destructive tendencies. He grows up in a dysfunctional family, where his father, Tom (Michael Bowen), is a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD, and his mother, Carole (Diane Venora), is a codependent enabler, who can't let go of her son even after he starts rebelling against them and society.

Andrew's life takes a dark turn when he starts experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and self-harm, using them as a way to escape reality and numb his emotions. He becomes increasingly isolated from his peers, teachers, and counselors, who don't understand his struggles, and only want to label and medicate him. Andrew becomes his own psychiatrist, prescribing himself different medications, without any medical supervision, and exposing himself to dangerous side effects and addiction.

Despite his erratic behavior and failed attempts to fit in, Andrew has a passion for art and music, which he uses as a form of expression and therapy. He meets other like-minded individuals, who share his artistic sensibilities and philosophical musings, including a girl named Julie (played by Denise Lee, who shines in her limited screen time).

Self Medicated portrays the lost, lonely, and angry youth of America, who are caught in the cycle of poverty, violence, and mental illness, and have to fight against the system that stigmatizes and ignores their voices. The film is shot on location in Montana, and features stunning landscapes, which serve as a contrast to the dark and gritty urban scenes.

The acting in Self Medicated is top-notch, especially from the lead actor and director, Monty Lapica, who delivers a raw and honest portrayal of his own life story. Lapica infuses his character with vulnerability, intensity, and humor, making him relatable and sympathetic, despite his flaws. Diane Venora, who is known for her roles in The Insider and Heat, brings depth and complexity to her role as Andrew's mother, Carole, who struggles with guilt, fear, and denial. Michael Bowen, who played a similar role in Breaking Bad, gives a convincing performance as Andrew's father, Tom, who is haunted by his past and present demons.

The cinematography by Mark Putnam is impressive, capturing the beauty of nature and the chaos of the human mind in equal measures. The editing by Lapica and Michael White is effective, using flashbacks, dream sequences, and stylized images to convey Andrew's inner world and memories. The music by various artists, including Lapica, sets the mood and tone of the film, ranging from melancholic to uplifting.

Self Medicated is not an easy film to watch, as it deals with heavy themes such as addiction, mental illness, abuse, and suicide. However, it is a necessary and powerful film, that sheds light on the struggles of young people, who are often ignored or misunderstood by society. The film doesn't provide easy answers or solutions, but it offers hope and empathy, by showing how art, friendship, and self-awareness can help individuals heal and transcend their pain. Self Medicated is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, especially in the current times, where mental health and social justice are more relevant than ever.

Self Medicated is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 51.

Self Medicated
Description
Where to Watch Self Medicated
Self Medicated is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Self Medicated for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2005
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (925)
  • Metascore
    51