By Robert Yaniz Jr.

DAY 8 OF THE 2018 HOLIDAY BINGE

Mental illness is seen through an experimental — and divisive — lens in this jarring drama.

THE HYPE

Onscreen depictions of mental illness tend to lean toward the treacly or hackneyed, and regardless of how viewers react to Madeline’s Madeline — this year’s risk-taking drama from director and co-writer Josephine Decker — everyone should be able to agree that the film is anything but conventional. After making its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2018, the film saw only a severely limited theatrical run this fall, but thanks to the magic of awards season, its now being watched (and rewatched) by critics.

THE STORY

Newcomer Helena Howard (more on her in a moment) stars as the title character, a teen girl participating in a theater troupe led by the ambitious Evangeline (Molly Parker). However, as Evangeline’s latest project progresses, Madeline’s troubled relationship with her mother (Miranda July) begins to both interfere with and seep into her performance, leading to a nearly indistinguishable line between art and reality. Anyone looking to challenge their mind (and/or their patience) need look no further.

THE CAST

Thankfully, Howard’s performance will be enough to make the viewing experience worthwhile even for audiences who are disengaged by what Decker is trying to accomplish. Raw and intense, the young actress — who has, according to IMDB, all of zero credits to her name — exudes the skill and nuance of a seasoned pro. Whether opposite longtime stars like Parker and July (both of whom are excellent as well) or playing against her onscreen peers, Howard is certainly a rising star with a ton of opportunities ahead of her.

THE PRODUCTION

The visual techniques that Decker uses in Madeline’s Madeline paint a compelling and unsettling vision of mental illness, despite the disorientation and risk of disengagement they ultimately bring the film. Even though watching the film is mostly a less-than-pleasurable experience, many aspects of it are fairly revolutionary, as it regularly dips into surrealism to put us in the busy headspace of Madeline herself. From a production standpoint, Decker’s latest is worth checking out simply because of how precise her vision is.

THE VERDICT

Madeline’s Madeline is an extended metaphor of a film, and as such, some viewers may get frustrated with its abstract tale. Truly, Decker’s film is far from accessible. Yet, this fact merely underscores the undefinability of its subject matter. Much like the work done by Madeline and her friends in the film, Madeline’s Madeline feels designed to push audiences out of their comfort zone and force them to consider mental health from a whole new perspective. The way it does so won’t work for all, but the craft here is undeniable.

Madeline's Madeline stars Helena Howard, Miranda July and Molly Parker and is directed by Josephine Decker.