Turtles All the Way Down

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 2, 2024

Genre
Romantic Drama

Cast & Crew

• Isabela Merced as Aza Holmes
• Cree Cicchino as Daisy
• Felix Mallard as Davis
• Maliq Johnson as Mychal
• Poorna Jagannathan as Dr. Kira Singh
• Judy Reyes as Gina
• J. Smith-Cameron as Professor Abbott
• Hannah Marks as Holly
• Debby Ryan as Quinn
• John Green as Mr. Adler
• Jason Kientz as Mark Holmes

Director
Hannah Marks

Producer

• Wyck Godfrey
• Marty Bowen
• Isaac Klausner

Writer
Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker

Production Company

• Warner Bros. Pictures
• New Line Cinema
• Temple Hill Entertainment
• Rojas Green Production

Distributed By
Max

Running Time
111 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
Not Rated

Content Advisory

• Depictions of mental illness
• Themes of loss and anxiety
• Mild language

Movie Story
“Turtles All the Way Down” is a touching and insightful romantic drama that explores the complexities of life with mental illness. Based on the 2017 novel by John Green, the film follows the life of Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old girl struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aza, portrayed by Isabela Merced, finds herself caught between the world inside her mind and the world outside, as she navigates her condition while trying to maintain her relationships and pursue a normal life.

The story begins when Aza reconnects with her childhood friend Davis, played by Felix Mallard. Davis, the son of a missing billionaire, becomes the center of Aza’s focus as she grapples with her own internal battles. Their rekindled friendship slowly blossoms into a romantic relationship, but Aza’s OCD continuously interferes with her ability to fully embrace her feelings. The film poignantly depicts the struggles of living with a mental disorder and the impact it has on one’s ability to connect with others, particularly in a romantic context.

As Aza delves deeper into the mystery of Davis’s missing father, she must also confront the challenges posed by her own mind. The narrative explores her relationship with her best friend Daisy, played by Cree Cicchino, who provides comic relief and a sense of normalcy in Aza’s life. Daisy’s vibrant personality contrasts with Aza’s introspective nature, highlighting the difficulties Aza faces in maintaining friendships. The film also introduces Dr. Kira Singh, portrayed by Poorna Jagannathan, as Aza’s therapist who guides her through her struggles, offering professional insight into her condition and helping her to understand and manage her OCD.

The climax of the film sees Aza coming to terms with her disorder, realizing that while it is a part of her, it does not define her. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and hopeful as Aza learns to navigate her life with OCD, finding solace in her relationships with Davis and Daisy. “Turtles All the Way Down” is a powerful story of love, friendship, and the journey towards self-acceptance, offering a sensitive portrayal of mental illness and its impact on everyday life.

Special Effects
The film relies on minimal special effects, focusing instead on cinematography and sound design to represent Aza’s internal struggles with OCD. The visual portrayal of her intrusive thoughts is subtle yet effective, using close-up shots and a muted color palette to create an immersive experience that reflects her mental state.

Filming Locations

• Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re not alone in this. Your thoughts might be, but you don’t have to be.” – Dr. Kira Singh
• “Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones we fight in our own minds.” – Aza Holmes

Behind-the-Scenes
“Turtles All the Way Down” was adapted from John Green’s novel of the same name, with the screenplay written by Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker. The film’s production journey was complicated by the closure of Fox 2000 Pictures after Disney’s acquisition, but it eventually found a home at New Line Cinema. Principal photography took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, capturing the essence of a Midwestern backdrop that plays a significant role in the story.

Final Verdict
“Turtles All the Way Down” is a beautifully crafted film that sensitively explores the challenges of living with OCD. Isabela Merced delivers a compelling performance as Aza Holmes, bringing depth and nuance to a character who is both relatable and inspiring. The film’s thoughtful portrayal of mental illness, combined with its strong performances and faithful adaptation of John Green’s novel, make it a must-watch for fans of contemporary romantic dramas.

Image Source: Theatrical release poster