Director Alethea Root’s “The Good Side of Bad” begins like an intimate family drama about three estranged adult siblings unexpectedly thrown back into each other’s lives. For the first half hour, you’re not quite sure what’s driving the tension. Then the truth lands: one sister is struggling with severe mental illness. From that point forward, the film pivots into a familiar “therapy journey” narrative you’ve likely seen before, yet it retains an emotional rawness that keeps it compelling.
Based on the bestselling novel by Beverly Olevin, the story tackles schizophrenia with honesty and compassion, showing both the painful unpredictability of the illness and the quiet resilience it demands from the person living with it (as well as their family). The script doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of care, relapse, and frustration, but it also finds moments of humor, tenderness, and hope.
While the structure falls into predictable beats, the performances are heartfelt across the board. The sibling dynamic feels lived-in, and the actors sell both the prickly history and the hard-won reconnections. Even when the storytelling flirts with cliché, the authenticity of the emotions is sincere.
“Good Side of Bad” is less about “solving” mental illness and more about learning to live alongside it with empathy, open communication, and love for those suffering. It’s a reminder that family isn’t always easy, but it can be the most vital lifeline when the waters get rough.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 