“Words on Bathroom Walls” is a modern-day coming of age teenage romance with a powerful twist. The film starring Charlie Plummer and Taylor Russell shows a teenage boy and his loved ones coming to terms with his mental health and new schizophrenic diagnosis.
Adam, played by Plummer, struggles socially at his high school, and after he experiences a psychotic break in chemistry class things only worsen. He then transfers to Saint Agatha’s where he meets the spunky presumed Valedictorian Maya, played by Russell, who he quickly learns is witty with a high IQ.
Adam and Maya offer the coming of age and teenage romance that not only offers something new for viewers to see on screen, but will hopefully help audiences feel seen, heard, or better understand the people behind the mental health diagnosis. The film shows the complex layers that define Adam beyond being schizophrenic such as being a talented chef, having a kind heart, and like many teens struggling with the uncontrollable changes around him. Adam’s relatability and his relationship with Maya can hopefully reshape how viewers view and understand not just schizophrenia but mental illness overall and challenge the stigma around it.
While Maya is a part of Adam’s support system he is simultaneously a part of hers. While Adam is “othered” due to his self ostracization from his peers Maya is “othered” based on race and class. The character of Maya speaks to a struggle many students of color and low-income students who attended elite private schools have lived. To attend she is dependent on a scholarship based on her intellect, and her prestigious education is intended to help her provide a better opportunity not just for herself but also for her family. She is seen having several streams of income to help support her family while also managing to be at the top of her class because she cannot afford not to be.
Viewers will be able to see themselves and their loved ones while watching Words on Bathroom Walls. The film will warm hearts, challenge opinions on mental illness, and show the realities and struggles that many of us face behind closed doors. Check out our exclusive interview above with the films’ stars.
The film hits theaters this Friday.
