The Road Within (2014) Reviews

• My Review

  nikipinto2015-03-16

  So I just finished watching this film and I would first like to say, if you're looking for an exciting and riveting plot; you've come to the wrong place. However, if you prefer a story with incredibly compelling characters played by incredibly talented actors, than you definitely need to watch this movie. Robert Sheehan, who plays Vincent, does a remarkable job portraying someone with Tourette's without going overboard. Although some of what he says during his ticks are funny, you can tell that they also cause him agony and they is shown through his facial expressions and his tone of voice. Similarly, Dev Patel who plays Alex does another remarkable job of playing someone with OCD (at least in my opinion). Zoe Kravitz's character is both witty and carefree but also intensely tragic. I believe this movie has a good combination of feel good moments and moments where you truly empathize with the characters. Though the concept of a road trip plot is slightly overdone, the landscapes are beautiful and the three young actors have a way of keeping you interested and entertained the entire time. You find yourself wanting to know all of them on an even deeper level which I believe is quite telling of how compelling they are. There were moments that were difficult to watch and made me a bit emotional while there were also scenes where I laughed out loud. It really gives you a perspective on what it is like with a mental illness, especially as a teenager and the complications that they cause. Overall, not a perfect flick but Kravitz, Patel, and Sheehan are definitely worth checking this film out.

• Where has this been?!?!

  nehaap72015-12-22

  I thought this movie was absolutely remarkable. I was scrolling through Netflix for a fun movie with a little bit of drama and I came across this one. I wasn't completely intrigued by the short summary but gave it a shot because (as all Netflix viewers are) I was tired of scrolling. Little did I know, I would fall in love with the movie. This movie made me fall in love with the characters, their hearts, and emotions. It also really truly opened my eyes about mental disorders in a way that I couldn't have imagined. It showed me what these people truly go through and how a little bit of support can change how they live in the world. It was a story of strength, realizing ones self and also understanding other's emotions as well as your own. It's about building new relationships and fixing past relationships with patience and proper guidance. It's truly a satisfying movie. Even better, was that the acting was phenomenal by all 3 leads. It was stunning, and beautiful. Made me want to have a story like all 3 of them, and make friends they way they did. Watch this movie if you want something different, but also warm and friendly. It's like a new genre that has yet to be recognized. It's phenomenal, and if you watch it you'll know why.

• A Careful Film

  Rockeezy2015-04-03

  Wow! I laughed, cried, throughout this movie. I was amazed to find out that this was a directorial debut for director/writer Gren Wells. If you love falling in love with characters as they head on their journey, this movie is for you! Through the seriousness of the disorders this movie takes on (which, by the way, were beautifully portrayed by Kravitz, Patel and Sheehan) I was able to feel with them, laugh with them, and cry with them. The Tourette's Syndrome, OCD, and Anorexia that they took hold of was captivating. I could tell that a whole lot of thought was put into researching Tourette's by Gren Wells and Robert Sheehan because they gave us just enough of Tourette's. It would have been extremely easy to portray too much of ticks and mannerisms and make him look silly, but fortunately his interpretation was sincere and gave us just enough. I applaud him and the whole cast for the care they took with their characters and their corresponding illnesses. I would call this film 'careful' in the greatest way. It is extraordinary to find a director paired with an outstanding cast that take great care in their art. I loved it!

• Story of three young adults with Tourette's, OCD,and Anorexia who run away from a treatment center and are pursued by one of the fathers and the doctor from the center.

  beckemery2015-03-20

  Absolutely loved this movie! It gives you real empathy for the things people and their families with these disabilities go through. It will make you want to cry at times but there are many laugh out loud moments. Somehow director, Gren Wells, manages to draw you into their world so that you laugh with the characters rather than at them, at the same time as you feel their pain. Can't say enough about the acting in this! Robert Sheehan, Dev Patel, and Zoe Kravitz are each outstanding and portray heartbreakingly real characters. Robert Patrick is wonderful as the frustrated father with no understanding of how to cope with his son and his challenges. Kyra Sedgewick as the doctor and director of an experimental program, is well cast and believable. Don't miss this one!

• The little movie that could

  Seth_Rogue_One2015-07-26

  A very good drama-comedy which mixes the 2 elements of drama and comedy perfectly, which in many cases is not the case Perfectly cast as well Robert Sheehan is excellent in the lead, you truly believe that he has Tourette's syndrome and Zoe Kravitz just keeps on proving with every movie she makes that she is a force to be reckoned with and I wouldn't be surprised at all if she got a Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress for this I've never seen Robert Patrick better and feel more real than in this one A must see if you like independent dramedies