All the Bright Places
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 28, 2020
Genre
Romantic Drama, Coming-of-Age
Cast & Crew
- Elle Fanning as Violet Markey
- Justice Smith as Theodore Finch
- Alexandra Shipp as Kate
- Kelli O’Hara as Sheryl Markey
- Lamar Johnson as Charlie
- Virginia Gardner as Amanda
- Felix Mallard as Roamer
- Luke Wilson as James Markey
Director
Brett Haley
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
- The Hero (2017)
- I’ll See You in My Dreams (2015)
Producer
- Paula Mazur
- Mitchell Kaplan
- Elle Fanning
- Justice Smith
Writer
- Jennifer Niven (based on her novel)
- Liz Hannah
Budget
Estimated at $10 million
Production Company
- Echo Lake Entertainment
- Mazur/Kaplan Company
- Netflix
Running Time
108 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-MA
Content Advisory
- Mature themes involving mental health
- Strong language
- Some sexual content
- Themes of grief and loss
Movie Story
“All the Bright Places” is a poignant romantic drama that explores themes of mental health, grief, and the transformative power of love. Based on the bestselling young adult novel by Jennifer Niven, the film follows the story of Violet Markey (Elle Fanning) and Theodore Finch (Justice Smith), two teenagers who form an unexpected bond after meeting in a moment of crisis.
Violet is struggling to cope with the recent death of her sister, Eleanor, in a car accident, and has become withdrawn from her friends and family. Finch, known as “The Freak” by his classmates, grapples with his own inner demons, experiencing extreme mood swings and feeling disconnected from the world around him. Despite their differences, the two find solace in each other’s company, beginning a relationship that helps them confront their pain and find moments of happiness.
As part of a school project, Finch and Violet embark on a journey to discover the “bright places” in their Indiana town, visiting unique and hidden locations that offer brief escapes from their emotional struggles. Through these shared experiences, they begin to heal, but the weight of their individual challenges continues to loom over them.
The film sensitively portrays the complexities of mental illness and the impact it has on relationships. As Finch’s mental state deteriorates, Violet is left to navigate the difficult reality of loving someone who is battling severe psychological issues. The story ultimately addresses the importance of seeking help and the lasting effects of grief, while also celebrating the moments of beauty and connection that can be found even in the darkest times.
Special Effects
“All the Bright Places” is grounded in its characters and their emotional journeys, with minimal use of special effects. The film’s visual style is naturalistic, focusing on the picturesque settings of Indiana’s small towns and the intimate moments between the characters. The cinematography highlights the contrast between the beauty of the world around them and the inner turmoil they experience, using light and color to reflect their changing emotional states.
Box Office Performance
As a Netflix Original, “All the Bright Places” was released directly to the streaming platform and did not have a traditional box office run. The film garnered attention for its performances, particularly those of Elle Fanning and Justice Smith, and for its sensitive handling of mental health issues. It resonated with fans of the book and viewers interested in thoughtful, character-driven dramas.
Filming Locations
- Elyria, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Port Clinton, Ohio, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You make me feel like I can do anything. Like I can be anyone.” – Violet Markey
- “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Theodore Finch
Behind-the-Scenes
“All the Bright Places” was adapted from Jennifer Niven’s popular novel, and the author was involved in the screenplay adaptation, ensuring that the film stayed true to the book’s themes and emotional depth. The film’s production focused on creating an authentic portrayal of teenage life and mental health struggles, with both Elle Fanning and Justice Smith dedicating themselves to understanding their characters’ complex emotions. The film’s portrayal of Indiana’s landscape was intended to reflect the beauty and isolation that mirrors the characters’ internal experiences.
Awards
- None, though it was praised for its performances and its sensitive approach to mental health.
Final Verdict
“All the Bright Places” is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that explores the impact of mental illness on young love. Elle Fanning and Justice Smith deliver powerful performances that bring authenticity to their roles, making the characters’ struggles and connection feel real and relatable. The film offers a poignant look at the challenges of grief, the importance of seeking help, and the moments of light that can be found even in the darkest places. It’s a must-watch for fans of young adult dramas and those interested in stories that address mental health with care and empathy.
IMDb Rating
6.5/10