A Mouthful of Air
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 29, 2021
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Amanda Seyfried as Julie Davis
- Finn Wittrock as Ethan Davis
- Jennifer Carpenter as Lucy
- Amy Irving as Bobbi
- Paul Giamatti as Dr. Sylvester
- Michael Gaston as Ron
Director
Amy Koppelman
Other Movies Director is Known For:
A Mouthful of Air marks the directorial debut of Amy Koppelman, who is also an accomplished author and screenwriter.
Producer
Amy Koppelman
Mike Harrop
Amanda Seyfried
Writer
Amy Koppelman
Based on her novel A Mouthful of Air
Budget
$10 million (estimated)
Production Company
Koppelman-Levine Productions
Stage 6 Films
Little Mountain Films
Running Time
105 minutes
Languages
English (Original)
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Themes of mental illness
- Discussions of suicide
- Emotional distress
- Brief language
Movie Story
A Mouthful of Air is a deeply emotional drama that explores the complexities of mental health, particularly postpartum depression, through the lens of Julie Davis (Amanda Seyfried), a successful children’s book author and mother who is struggling with her inner demons. Despite her outward success and the love of her husband, Ethan (Finn Wittrock), Julie is haunted by feelings of inadequacy, fear, and despair.
The film opens with a glimpse into Julie’s seemingly perfect life—she has a beautiful family, a thriving career, and a supportive network of friends and family. However, this facade begins to crumble as Julie’s mental health deteriorates, revealing the depths of her struggle with postpartum depression. As the pressure mounts, Julie finds herself increasingly isolated, unable to share her feelings with those closest to her.
Julie’s journey is marked by moments of deep emotional vulnerability, as she grapples with the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood while battling the shadows of her past trauma. Her interactions with her psychiatrist, Dr. Sylvester (Paul Giamatti), provide insight into her inner turmoil, as she tries to reconcile her love for her children with the suffocating anxiety that threatens to consume her.
As the story unfolds, Julie’s fragile state leads to a tragic event that forces her to confront her illness head-on. The film sensitively portrays the impact of mental illness on both the individual and their loved ones, shedding light on the importance of compassion, understanding, and support. Through Julie’s story, A Mouthful of Air addresses the often-taboo subject of postpartum depression, offering a poignant and realistic portrayal of a condition that affects many women.
Amy Koppelman’s direction brings an intimate and raw perspective to the film, capturing the subtle nuances of Julie’s emotional landscape. Amanda Seyfried delivers a powerful performance, conveying the depth of Julie’s pain and the strength it takes to confront her demons. The film’s exploration of mental health is both honest and compassionate, making it a resonant and impactful experience.
Special Effects
A Mouthful of Air focuses on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, with minimal reliance on special effects. The film’s strength lies in its ability to convey complex emotions through subtle performances, atmospheric cinematography, and thoughtful direction. The use of soft lighting and warm color palettes enhances the film’s intimate feel, creating a visual representation of Julie’s internal world.
Box Office Performance
A Mouthful of Air had a limited theatrical release, reflecting its status as an independent film focused on niche audiences. While it did not achieve significant box office success, the film garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter and Seyfried’s standout performance. The film’s impact was further amplified through its availability on streaming platforms, where it reached a broader audience.
Filming Locations
- New York City, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I should be happy. Why am I not happy?” – Julie Davis
- “Sometimes, you can love someone and still not be able to help them.” – Ethan Davis
- “You’re not alone, Julie. You don’t have to do this alone.” – Dr. Sylvester
Behind-the-Scenes
Amy Koppelman, who wrote the novel on which the film is based, drew from personal experiences to create an authentic and deeply moving portrayal of mental health struggles. Amanda Seyfried was drawn to the project due to its honest depiction of postpartum depression and the opportunity to explore a complex, layered character. The film’s production focused on creating a supportive and sensitive environment for the cast and crew, reflecting the film’s themes of empathy and understanding.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Actress (Amanda Seyfried) at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards
- Nominated for Best Independent Film at the 2021 Gotham Awards
Final Verdict
A Mouthful of Air is a poignant and powerful exploration of mental health, offering a sensitive and realistic portrayal of postpartum depression. Amanda Seyfried’s compelling performance anchors the film, making Julie’s journey both heartbreaking and inspiring. Amy Koppelman’s direction brings an intimate and raw perspective to the story, resulting in a film that resonates deeply with audiences. While it may be a difficult watch due to its heavy themes, A Mouthful of Air is an important and timely film that sheds light on the complexities of mental illness and the need for understanding and support.
IMDb Rating
6.1/10