Hudson (Matthew Perry) has a big, psychiatric problem: He is depersonalized- it is a depressive state of mind where he doesn’t feel anything is real, that he doesn’t belong and he is anxious all the time. He hates being this way but he can’t seem to do anything about it either. In his own words, he is fucked up.
He hasn’t had the most fun childhood or the most caring mother but his life as a screenwriter hasn’t been this bad- until now. He tries therapy, prescribed drugs, activities… nothing seems to work. However, meeting the beautiful and fun Sara (Lynn Collins) at least gives him the illusion of happiness and although he is in love with her, the thought that she deserves better keeps nagging at him.
As this movie takes a look at Hudson’s life for 93 minutes, we embark on a bittersweet journey on the mostly dark side of life. There are some really funny bits due some of his therapy sessions and some of his psychiatrists and some desperate reactions from Hudson. He is an original character yet not hard to relate to. In fact, if any of you have gone through any type of depression (and I have. I’m talking about the real thing here, not the occasional blues), this movie just hits home. It is just so real. The bitterness, the pain, the hope, the comedy, functioning, love and relationships…It is a good movie. It is sincere and real.
Matthew Perry is such a good actor. He is so terrific at comedy (Friends, The Whole Nine Yards, Serving Sara…) that sometimes I forget he can do drama. Sure, he has proven his dramatic skills at Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. But now I can honestly say, Perry is just very good. The movie is written/directed by Harris Goldberg. The feel of the film makes me think either Perry or the director (maybe both) might have gone through a similar process.
If you don’t like it, you probably never have been actually depressed. Well, I am jealous. But if you have, just do not miss this movie. It just might help with the healing process. And you have to love the tagline: Love is better unmedicated.
