Plot Summary
As Clemence Miller faces the chaotic fallout of her sophomore year in college, her erratic actions create a growing rift between her and those she loves. The continuous torment she experiences pushes her beleaguered roommate, Eliza, to alert both the college administration and her concerned mother, Sherri, who owns a local craft store. This alarming situation prompts an intervention, ultimately leading to Clemence having to withdraw from her studies and return home. There, she discovers her childhood room has been converted into an office, leaving her relegated to a cold and unwelcoming basement.
Seeking help, Clemence consults a psychiatrist, Dr. Madzen, who diagnoses her with bipolar disorder and prescribes her a strict medication regimen, including lithium, to manage her extreme mood swings. Initially resistant to this new reality, she is gradually encouraged to adhere to her treatment by the unyielding support of her mother.
At home, the reception from her family is mixed. Don, her father and a local schoolteacher, strives to maintain an optimistic outlook, even as her younger siblings express their fears and reservations. Carlin, her sister, is particularly concerned about inheriting her sister’s struggles and dedicates herself to improving her ACT scores in hopes of avoiding a similar path. Meanwhile, her brother, Neil, treads cautiously around Clemence, uncertain of how to cope with the chaotic atmosphere she brings.
Despite her challenging situation, Clemence takes steps to improve her life by attending therapy sessions and finding part-time work at a nearby thrift store. There, she begins to build a hesitant friendship with coworker Beth and manages to stay sober. However, her newfound stability is tested as she reconnects with Ashik, a past party friend. This rekindled relationship threatens to undo the progress she has made and jeopardizes the fragile support system she has slowly constructed.
Timeline
Clemence's Turmoil Begins
Clemence Miller experiences a turbulent sophomore year in college, leading her to make erratic decisions that strain her relationships. Her erratic behavior causes concern among her friends and family, highlighting the struggles she faces during this chaotic period.
Eliza Alerts Authorities
Seeing the impact of Clemence's declining mental state, her roommate Eliza takes the brave step to notify the college administration. This action is driven by a sense of urgency to protect both Clemence and themselves from further turmoil.
Intervention by Loved Ones
Eliza's concern leads her to inform Clemence's mother, Sherri, about the alarming situation. This prompts Sherri and others to intervene, which ultimately forces Clemence to withdraw from college.
Return Home
Clemence returns to her childhood home, only to find her room converted into an office. This alteration symbolizes the changes in her life and adds to her sense of loss and isolation.
Seeking Professional Help
In an effort to address her mental health challenges, Clemence seeks help from psychiatrist Dr. Madzen. Here, she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and begins a new treatment plan involving lithium.
Resistance to Treatment
Initially, Clemence struggles with accepting her diagnosis and the medication regimen, resulting in a rocky start to her treatment. However, her mother remains steadfast in her support, encouraging Clemence to adhere to her recovery plan.
Mixed Family Reactions
Clemence's family has varied responses to her return. While her father, Don, tries to maintain a positive outlook, her siblings express worries about their own futures and the potential legacy of Clemence's struggles.
Clemence's Sister's Concerns
Carlin, Clemence's younger sister, becomes particularly anxious about inheriting her sister's challenges and thus focuses on improving her ACT scores. This reflects the impact Clemence's issues have on her family dynamics.
Clemence's Attempts at Stability
In a bid to regain control over her life, Clemence starts attending therapy sessions regularly. She also finds part-time work at a nearby thrift store, which helps to instill a sense of purpose in her daily routine.
Friendship with Beth
While working at the thrift store, Clemence begins to develop a tentative friendship with coworker Beth. This newfound connection provides Clemence with a support system outside of her family, crucial for her recovery.
Testing Stability
Clemence's newfound stability is put to the test when she reconnects with Ashik, a former party friend. This rekindled relationship poses a risk to the progress she has made in her recovery journey.
Navigating Recovery
As Clemence navigates her recovery journey, she grapples with the challenges of maintaining her sobriety while managing relationships that could jeopardize her mental health. Her experience reflects the complexities of healing.
Ongoing Support from Family
Despite the difficulties, Clemence's family continues to support her in various ways. Each of them plays a role in her journey, as they learn to cope with the changing family dynamics brought about by her mental health struggles.
Clemence's Journey to Acceptance
Throughout this journey, Clemence begins to understand and accept her mental health condition. As she learns to manage her bipolar disorder, she gains insight into her past and the importance of seeking help.
Characters
Clemence Miller
Clemence is a college student grappling with the complexities of her mental health, particularly bipolar disorder. Her impulsive behavior leads to significant challenges in her relationships and academic life. As she confronts these issues, her development throughout the film reflects her struggle to find stability and acceptance within herself and her family.
Don
Don, Clemence's father, is portrayed as a supportive yet optimistic presence in her life. As a local schoolteacher, he attempts to maintain a positive outlook despite the family's challenges. His character offers a balance of hope and realism, as he navigates his concerns for Clemence while trying to inspire his children.
Sherri
Sherri is Clemence's mother, who runs a local craft store. As a concerned parent, she embodies love and care while grappling with her daughter's mental health challenges. Her commitment to her daughter's well-being highlights the theme of familial support, showcasing both her fears and determination to help Clemence.
Beth
Beth is a coworker at the thrift store where Clemence works part-time. She becomes a crucial part of Clemence's support system, helping to foster a sense of stability in her life. Their budding friendship illustrates the importance of social connections in the recovery process.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern challenges faced by college students. Themes of mental health awareness, familial relationships, and the struggles of adolescence are prevalent, speaking to a society increasingly acknowledging these issues.
Location
Clemence's childhood home, local craft store, thrift store
The movie predominantly takes place in Clemence's childhood home, which she finds transformed into an office, emphasizing her feelings of displacement. The local craft store, owned by her mother Sherri, represents a familiar yet complicated connection to her past. Additionally, the nearby thrift store serves as a new environment for Clemence to explore responsibilities and foster new relationships.
Themes
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Mental Health
The film delves deeply into the theme of mental health, particularly through Clemence's battle with bipolar disorder. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting individuals facing such challenges. The narrative emphasizes the stigma and fear surrounding mental health issues while portraying the path to acceptance and recovery.
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Family Dynamics
Family plays a crucial role in Clemence's journey as they navigate their complex feelings towards her mental health struggles. The conflicts and bonds among her family members illustrate the impact of mental health on loved ones, showcasing both support and fear. This theme reflects the blend of hope and tension that often exists within families facing similar issues.
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Growth
Clemence's journey is marked by growth and self-discovery as she learns to navigate her mental health struggles. While the road is fraught with setbacks, her experiences highlight the importance of resilience. The interactions with friends and family serve as catalysts for her development, underscoring the potential for change and improvement.
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