Based on the autobiographical work of New Zealand writer Janet Frame, this production depicts the author at various stage of her life. Afflicted with mental and emotional issues, Frame grows up in an impoverished family and experiences numerous tragedies while still in her youth, including the deaths of two of her siblings. Portrayed as an adult by Kerry Fox, Frame finds acclaim for her writing while still in a mental institution, and her success helps her move on with her life.
Directed by Jane Campion
insanity
new zealand
insane asylum
teacher
mental institution
author
based on memoir or autobiography
woman director
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.9 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Kerry Fox
Janet Frame
Alexia Keogh
Janet Frame as a child
Kevin J. Wilson
Father
Brenda Kendall
Miss Botting
Faye Flegg
Doctor
Timothy Bartlett
Gussy Dymock
Willa O'Neill
Edith
Andrew Robertt
Bruddie
Sarah Smuts-Kennedy
June
David Stott
Doctor
Elizabeth McRae
Nurse
Celia Nicholson
Piona
Crew
Jane Campion
Director
Stuart Dryburgh
Director of Photography
John Maynard
Co-Producer
Popular Reviews
33 reviews
Alexia A.PRO
7.0★ · 01/02/26
Fav biopic.
Fav biopic.
SKTUD
4.0★ · 12/29/25
i didn't know anything about this film except that it was a biopic. i literally just finished reading The Bell Jar a few days ago. this is all too much for me to take right now.
Jane Campion has made some of my favorite films of all time, but i'm also pretty conflicted about her other films idk
i didn't know anything about this film except that it was a biopic. i literally just finished reading The Bell Jar a few days ago. this is all too much for me to take right now.
Jane Campion has made some of my favorite films of all time, but i'm also pretty conflicted about her other films idk
Matthew
8.0★ · 11/05/25
This was such an immersive film. The presentation was easily my favourite part with everything feeling so natural and lifelike. It's weird as even though I was never fully into the character I found Janet's story intriguing. The shock therapy scene was by far the best aspect of the mental health treatment people received around this time. The way it was shot with it not being too long but pretty disturbing was very effective. The last "book" was definitely my least favourite as I just didn't find it as engaging as the other two but it never took much away from the overall experience. And the casting for Janet might be the best I've seen in terms of how each generation feels the same.
This was such an immersive film. The presentation was easily my favourite part with everything feeling so natural and lifelike. It's weird as even though I was never fully into the character I found Janet's story intriguing. The shock therapy scene was by far the best aspect of the mental health treatment people received around this time. The way it was shot with it not being too long but pretty disturbing was very effective. The last "book" was definitely my least favourite as I just didn't find it as engaging as the other two but it never took much away from the overall experience. And the casting for Janet might be the best I've seen in terms of how each generation feels the same.
