Watch Helen

Helen is a 2008 British independent film that tells the story of a young woman named Helen (Annie Townsend) who suffers from a severe form of schizophrenia. The film follows her as she struggles to navigate through her rapidly changing reality, dealing with the constant torment of her own mind. The movie takes place in present-day England, with Helen living in a small town outside of London. From the outset, we see her struggles to interact with the outside world, as she is plagued by both hallucinations and a profound sense of paranoia. Despite these obstacles, Helen sets out to find a job and make a life for herself, against all odds.

As Helen struggles to find her place in society, she begins attending group therapy sessions with other people who suffer from mental illness. Here she meets a diverse cast of characters, each with their own story to tell. There is Charlotte (Sandie Malia), a young woman who is desperately trying to escape an abusive relationship, and Jim (Dennis Jobling), an older man whose life has been destroyed by his addiction to alcohol.

Throughout the movie, Helen tries to come to grips with her own illness, while struggling to make sense of the people and world around her. Her only anchor comes in the form of her mother (Georgia Groome), who acts as a constant source of support and love.

One of the central aspects of the movie is the way in which it explores the boundaries between reality and fantasy. We see Helen's world change and shift in unpredictable ways, with the lines between what is real and what is not often becoming blurred. This creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the movie, as we are never quite sure what is going to happen next.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Helen is ultimately a very human and empathetic film. The characters are all complex and nuanced, with each person representing a different facet of the human experience. The movie is as much about the inner workings of the human mind as it is about mental illness, and it is this depth that makes the film so impactful.

The performances across the board are excellent, with Annie Townsend delivering a truly remarkable turn as the titular character. She imbues Helen with a sense of fragility and vulnerability that feels both authentic and deeply moving. Sandie Malia and Dennis Jobling also give standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters.

The direction and cinematography of the film are equally impressive. Director Christine Molloy manages to create a sense of intimacy and closeness with the characters, while also imbuing the film with a dreamlike quality. The camera work is often disorienting and off-kilter, mirroring the inner turmoil of Helen's mind.

Ultimately, Helen is a deeply affecting film that offers a raw and honest look at mental illness. It is a movie that is not afraid to grapple with difficult subject matter, but at the same time, it is also full of warmth and empathy. It is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the power of love and support to help us overcome even the most difficult of obstacles.

Helen is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.