Actors: Elle Fanning, Justice Smith

Genre: Teen Films, Romantic Films, Drama

Director: Brett Haley

Running time: 1 Hour and 48 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Release Date: 28th February 2020

Tag line: “Live life at full brightness”

All the bright places is a film that is based on the novel with the same title by Jennifer Niven. The film is based around two teenagers Violet and Theodore, who meet during difficult circumstances in both of their lives. They both struggle with emotional scars from their pasts and try their bests to navigate the difficulties of being a teenagers. I would say that some viewers may find the film triggering as it tackles topics such as mental illness, grief and suicide. So proceed with caution because this film is NOT a Rom-Com and if you find these topics triggering I would give this film a miss.

Violet is suffering with the emotional trauma of her sister passing away and Finch has bipolar disorder and experiences almost constant thoughts of suicide. Together they discover that even the smallest things, little moments and love can even make the little things mean something so special.

Ever since Netflix announced that they were bringing this well-loved box to life in a movie I’ve been so excited but also slightly worried. Only because this is one of my favourite books that I have read at least 10 times (or more who even knows I’ve stopped counting!) and I didn’t want it to be changed in anyway. However I was surprised to realise when I watched it that most of my favourite quotes from the book were featured in the film. The only thing that was slightly disappointing is that I personally feel that some of the characters didn’t have the same character development that they did in the novel. No book to movie adaptation can be 100% true to the book that would be almost impossible, as somethings just don’t translate well from words on a page onto the silver screen.

Despite a few flaws, the movie was very touching and moved me to tears just like the book did and is definitely worth the watch. I would highly recommend that when and if you do decide to watch the film make sure that you have a packet of tissues close by for the inevitable ugly crying. Also be prepared to introduced to characters that are larger than life and relatable.

All the bright places is currently streaming on all Netflix platforms. If you don’t currently have a Netflix account sign up for one and you can have a FREE trail for a month!