Follows the fate of Lyle, a violent adolescent who, in lieu of prison, is placed in a juvenile mental institution, where he encounters a group of equally troubled teens. This motley crew—abused, sexually confused, violent, and yet hanging on by their grit and anger—becomes Lyle's last lifeline as he fights to find meaning in a world that seems to defy understanding.
Directed by Jordan Melamed
depression
child abuse
group therapy
mental institution
juvenile delinquent
mental illness
troubled teen
teen anger
self-harm
teenage protagonist
depressing
comforting
violent
Rank
#11 in 2002·#753 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Lyle
Don Cheadle
Dr. David Monroe
Zooey Deschanel
Tracy
Michael Bacall
Chad
Elden Henson
Michael
Cody Lightning
Kenny
Sara Rivas
Sara
William Richert
Diego
Blayne Weaver
Charlie
Maggie Baird
Rebecca
Roxie Fuller
Roxie
Van Epperson
Night Staff
Crew
Blayne Weaver
Screenplay
Michael Bacall
Screenplay
David Wingo
Original Music Composer
Madeleine Gavin
Editor
Pyeng Threadgill
Assistant Music Supervisor
Steve Yedlin
"B" Camera Operator
Steve Yedlin
Gaffer
Popular Reviews
943 reviews
Maya
10.0★ · 05/09/26
The painting 💔
The painting 💔
1
NYMPH
zoey dechanel looks like fiona apple here sometimes
zoey dechanel looks like fiona apple here sometimes
1
Meniar
10.0★ · 07/05/25
I don't even know what to say about this it litrealy triggered every single trauma in my body but felt comforting and like the greatest representation of what my mental illness makes me feel at the same time. Manic is a fucking underrated masterpiece and I'll die on that hill.
I don't even know what to say about this it litrealy triggered every single trauma in my body but felt comforting and like the greatest representation of what my mental illness makes me feel at the same time. Manic is a fucking underrated masterpiece and I'll die on that hill.
1
Sil
8.8★ · 07/05/26
Made me quite emotional
“Wherever you’re going, you’re still going to be there” Is maybe my favorite movie quote oat. And thus this movie has a special place in my heart.
Made me quite emotional
“Wherever you’re going, you’re still going to be there” Is maybe my favorite movie quote oat. And thus this movie has a special place in my heart.
