One breath at a time.|Oct. 29, 2021|United States|105 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: **A Mouthful of Air (2021): A Deep Dive into Postpartum Depression**
Emotionally charged films that confront raw pain and anguish are often the most challenging to create. Yet, *A Mouthful of Air*, directed and written by Amy Koppelman, based on her novel of the same name, stands as a testament to such courage. Amanda Seyfried portrays Julie, a New York City mother and children’s book author battling postpartum depression. The film opens with her attempting suicide, overwhelmed by her suffering. Her husband, Ethan (Finn Wittrock), does his best to support her but remains at a loss, unable to truly grasp the depth of her pain.
Koppelman’s directorial debut tackles this sensitive subject with remarkable care and insight. The suicide scene is discreetly filmed, making its impact even more haunting in retrospect. Postpartum depression, a topic often shrouded in silence, is portrayed with all its complexity and subtle manifestations.
The film attempts to explore potential causes for Julie’s condition, suggesting links to her troubled past and possibly abusive father (Michael Gaston). However, it subtly reinforces the unsettling reality that postpartum depression can arise without clear triggers, making it even more perplexing and difficult to address.
*A Mouthful of Air* doesn’t aim to provide definitive answers but instead shines a light on the emotional turmoil faced by those grappling with such profound mental health struggles. It’s a poignant exploration of a subject often left in the shadows.
Cast director: Amy Koppelman
Cast actor: Amanda Seyfried, Finn Wittrock, Britt Robertson, Jennifer Carpenter, Paul Giamatti, Amy Irving, Josh Hamilton, Darren Goldstein, Michael Gaston, Alysia Reiner
Original name: A Mouthful of Air