Words on Bathroom Walls Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teen chef with imaginary friends gets kicked out of school and then gets a girlfriend who is probably just another hallucination anyway, but nobody cares because he makes really good pasta.

🍿 Words on Bathroom Walls: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adam’s Diagnosis and New School

Adam (Charlie Plummer), a teenager with aspirations of becoming a chef, experiences a psychotic break during his senior year of high school. He’s diagnosed with schizophrenia and expelled. Seeking a fresh start, his mother enrolls him in a Catholic academy, hoping he can keep his condition a secret while participating in an experimental drug trial. He hopes to maintain a facade of normalcy to pursue his culinary dreams.

Meeting Maya and Forming a Connection

At the new school, Adam meets Maya (Taylor Russell), a brilliant and fiercely independent student. Their connection is immediate and comforting. As their romance deepens, Maya encourages Adam to open up and not let his illness define him. This newfound relationship gives Adam hope and support, helping him navigate the challenges of his schizophrenia.

Hiding the Truth and Mounting Pressures

Adam struggles to maintain the secret of his schizophrenia, particularly as the experimental medication causes debilitating side effects. He grapples with the voices and hallucinations that plague him, fearing exposure and judgment. The pressure to succeed academically and maintain a normal relationship with Maya becomes increasingly intense, pushing him to his breaking point.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Adam (Charlie Plummer): A witty and introspective teenager diagnosed with schizophrenia who dreams of becoming a chef.
• Maya (Taylor Russell): A fiercely intelligent and outspoken classmate who inspires Adam to embrace his condition and pursue his dreams.
• Beth (Molly Parker): Adam’s devoted mother, who is determined to find the best treatment for her son and support him unconditionally.
• Paul (Walton Goggins): Adam’s stepfather, who initially struggles to connect with Adam but ultimately becomes a strong advocate for him.
• Father Patrick (Andy Garcia): A compassionate school priest who offers Adam guidance and a safe space to express his struggles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Adam: “You *have* to let people discover all your dark and twisty places inside. Because those are the people that can show you what’s real, when you can’t see that for yourself.” – Adam reflects on the importance of vulnerability and allowing others to see his true self.
• Adam: “It can be the beginning of everything… if you let it.” – Said during Adam’s narration, emphasizing the potential for positive change through openness.
• Adam: “It’s nice to be listened to and not just observed.” – Adam shares this sentiment with Father Patrick, highlighting his need for genuine understanding.
• Adam: “Once I was a bystander in my own life.” – Adam is reflecting on his past, and how he is starting to take control and no longer is a bystander.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $2,542,518
• Worldwide Gross: $3,151,849

💥 Words on Bathroom Walls Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Words on Bathroom Walls. It’s a powerful movie that handles a sensitive topic with care and creativity. The way the movie visualizes Adam’s hallucinations is so unique and helps you understand what he’s going through. Charlie Plummer’s performance is heartbreaking and genuine. The scenes where he interacts with his imaginary friends were surprisingly funny, but the emotional moments really hit hard, especially when he’s struggling to be ‘normal’ for Maya. I was teary-eyed by the end.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Teens and young adults”
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Individuals interested in films addressing mental health”
  • “Readers of the book”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of mental illness (schizophrenia)”
  • “Hallucinations and delusions”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suicidal ideation”
  • “Brief drug use”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A pleasant and surprisingly emotional look at life with schizophrenia is aided by strong acting performances and a production team that clearly cares about the film.
• KidsFirst!: “An eye-opener and a powerful phenomenon. This movie portrays a wonderful example of schizophrenia in teenagers. It also adds a comedic essence to the illness, but it does not make fun of the disease.
• IMDb: “Charlie Plummer is fantastic as Adam, portraying schizophrenia so well. Taylor Russell puts in a fantastic performance, a tough front but coming from a struggling home. It is done beautifully and pulls at the heart strings.

Audience Reactions

It’s a heartwarming story about acceptance, mental illness, and young love, all rolled into one.: Viewers praised the film for its realistic portrayal of mental illness, moving performances, and the ability to evoke strong emotions.

Overall Consensus: A touching and insightful coming-of-age story that tackles mental illness with sensitivity and creativity.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Julia Walton.”
• “Director Thor Freudenthal is known for directing films like “Hotel for Dogs” and “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,””
• “Charlie Plummer had previously starred in the acclaimed indie film “Lean on Pete” showcasing his range as an actor.”

🖥️ How to Watch Words on Bathroom Walls?

Currently, “Words on Bathroom Walls” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as options can vary by region. It is often available for digital purchase, giving you permanent access to the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Words on Bathroom Walls, you might like these similar films:

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Deals with mental health challenges and finding connection during high school.
• A Beautiful Mind (2001): Explores the life of a brilliant individual struggling with schizophrenia.
• Benny & Joon (1993): A quirky romance involving characters with mental health issues, offering a hopeful perspective.
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012): A romantic comedy-drama dealing with mental health issues and finding love amidst personal struggles.

🛒 Words on Bathroom Walls Related Products

• Words on Bathroom Walls: The Novel: The original young adult novel by Julia Walton that inspired the film. Dive deeper into Adam’s story and the characters’ inner thoughts.
• Chef Knife Set: A professional-grade chef knife set, perfect for aspiring chefs inspired by Adam’s passion for cooking. Features high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision and durability.
• Mental Health Awareness T-Shirt: A t-shirt featuring a positive message promoting mental health awareness. A portion of the proceeds supports mental health organizations.

🎧 Soundtrack

Words on Bathroom Walls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “On the Ball Field” – performed by David Newman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BOBA CHALLENGE with ARIANA

Ever tried a Boba challenge? This family’s attempt is hilarious! See if they can handle the tapioca overload and tell me if you’d try this yourself.

Septum nose piercing for this beauty ⚡️ Don’t try this at home! #septum #nosepiercing

Thinking about getting a septum piercing? Watch this pro do it first, but definitely don’t try this at home! It’s pretty cool to see the process, though I’m not sure I’m brave enough.

Instant Regret 😂

Kids will be kids, right? This little girl’s climbing adventure takes an unexpected turn, and her instant regret is priceless! I definitely laughed out loud.

✨ Rate