Turtles All the Way Down: A Profound Look at Coming-of-Age and OCD
An emotionally charged coming-of-age film that paints a raw, intimate portrait of life with OCD, identity, and growing up.
My Honest Review of ‘Turtles All the Way Down’
Director: Hannah Marks
Source Material: Based on the bestselling novel by John Green
PureWow Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
A New Perspective on Adolescence and Mental Health
“Turtles All the Way Down” emerges as an emotionally resonant coming-of-age drama that offers viewers an intimate look at mental health struggles, particularly Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Adapted from John Green’s acclaimed novel, the film trades in glamour for raw authenticity, inviting us into the world of Aza Holmes—a teenage girl navigating the complexities of friendships, love, identity, and the relentless whirlpool of her own thoughts.
The Story: Navigating Life from Within
At the heart of the film is Aza Holmes (Isabela Merced), a teenager living in Indianapolis with her widowed mother. Aza’s days are colored by her ongoing battle with OCD, which manifests through spiraling intrusive thoughts that frequently hijack her sense of reality and self-control. The plot kicks off when Russell Pickett, a local billionaire and father of Aza’s childhood friend Davis, goes missing amid allegations of fraud. Tempted by the possibility of a $100,000 reward, Aza and her exuberant best friend Daisy Ramirez (Cree Cicchino) set off on an amateur investigation.
While the disappearance offers an outer narrative hook, the real journey unfolds within Aza herself. The film uses this mystery less as a traditional whodunit and more as a catalyst, unraveling the bonds of friendship, the tender vulnerabilities of first love, and the unique daily hurdles faced by anyone living with mental illness.
The Cast & Characters
- Aza Holmes: A whip-smart, introspective teenager whose thought spirals and anxiety become central to the viewing experience. The authentic portrayal of her OCD gives the film a unique emotional weight.
- Daisy Ramirez: Aza’s loyal, effervescent best friend, comic relief, and grounding force.
- Davis Pickett: The sensitive and lonely son of the missing billionaire, whose complicated connection with Aza rekindles as they are drawn together by the investigation.
- Supporting Cast: Includes Aza’s mother, who is both nurturing and concerned, and other friends and classmates who fill out the world with realistic warmth and conflict.
Performance Highlights
- Isabela Merced delivers a compelling performance as Aza, capturing both the inward paralysis of her anxiety and the courage with which she faces the outside world.
- Cree Cicchino injects energy and sharp humor as Daisy, demonstrating the ebb and flow of teenage friendships strained by invisible challenges.
- The chemistry between Merced and Felix Mallard (Davis) is gentle, sincere, and refreshingly awkward, reflecting the uncertainty of first love in the shadow of personal struggle.
A Groundbreaking Depiction of OCD
Unlike most mainstream films that treat mental illness with heavy-handed symbolism or melodrama, “Turtles All the Way Down” offers a depiction of OCD that is specific, nuanced, and empathetic. The director centers Aza’s perspective, translating her internal experience onto the screen with visual cues, voiceover narration, and pacing that mirrors the overwhelming, cyclical nature of her thoughts.
- Intrusive thoughts and rituals are portrayed with painstaking accuracy—Aza’s fear of infection, recurring worries, and repetitive behaviors are not merely quirks, but lived obstacles that shape every interaction.
- The film resists the temptation to frame recovery in cliched terms, never suggesting love, adventure, or insight alone can ‘cure’ a mental illness. Instead, it emphasizes ongoing management and the importance of support networks.
- The sincerity in this approach is reinforced by John Green’s own history with OCD, making the story not just authentic but also personal and compassionate.
The Depths of Coming-of-Age
Beyond its exploration of mental health, the film is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place—even within their own mind. It handles the messiness of adolescence—the evolving nature of friendships, the sharp pulses of first love, and the quest for self-definition—with realism rather than melodrama.
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Health | Realistically depicting OCD, showing its impact on everyday life and relationships. |
| Friendship | Explores loyalty, resentment, and forgiveness between Aza and Daisy. |
| First Love | The romance between Aza and Davis is gentle, awkward, and shaped by their emotional wounds. |
| Self-Acceptance | Centers on Aza’s journey towards understanding and living with her challenges, not conquering them. |
Pacing and Narrative Focus
The film’s deliberate pacing mirrors the rhythm of Aza’s life: at times slow and introspective, at others fraught with social tension. Rather than high-stakes action, the suspense is internal—making the smallest decisions feel monumental for Aza. This may feel slow to fans of traditional coming-of-age mysteries but is deeply rewarding for viewers seeking emotional authenticity.
Highlights & Strengths
- Authentic Representation: Offers rare, sensitive visibility for OCD and anxiety disorders.
- Relatable Characters: Both main and supporting cast behave like real teenagers, making mistakes and growing incrementally, not all at once.
- Intimate Style: Clever use of voiceover, close-up shots, and pacing to illustrate Aza’s internal state.
- Balanced Tone: Equal parts hopeful, heartbreaking, and honest—never descending into sentimentality.
- Satisfying End: Avoids abruptness or disappointment, opting for realistic closure—rare in both film and previous John Green works.
Notable Weaknesses & Controversies
- Character Conflict: Some viewers may find the resolution between Aza and Daisy a bit unsatisfactory, with elements of their discord brushed aside rather than fully resolved.
- Lack of Strong Mystery: The missing billionaire storyline is more a backdrop than a driving plot, which could disappoint those seeking a classic whodunit.
- Slow Pace: The film favors internal drama over action, which may feel static to viewers expecting quick plot twists or dramatic reveals.
How It Stands Out Among John Green Adaptations
“Turtles All the Way Down” welcomes both returning fans of John Green and those unfamiliar with his work. Unlike adaptations such as “The Fault in Our Stars,” this film is less concerned with sweeping gestures or bittersweet romance, and more focused on internal struggle and small, incremental victories. The honesty, vulnerability, and absence of easy answers define its tone, offering a fresh alternative to more formulaic teen dramas.
Key Messages & Takeaways
- Mental illness is not easily solved. The film refutes simplistic resolutions, showing that support, therapy, and understanding are necessary—no single event or person can “fix” everything.
- Friendship and love are complicated but worth the effort. Conflict is inevitable, but so is growth and reconciliation.
- Self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. The greatest victories are often invisible to others but deeply meaningful to those fighting internal battles.
Who Should Watch This Film?
- Teenagers and young adults grappling with identity, anxiety, or friendship complications.
- Parents and educators seeking insight into a realistic depiction of OCD and adolescent struggles.
- Fans of John Green’s literature and thoughtful, character-driven dramas.
- Anyone seeking an empathetic, nuanced coming-of-age story without sugarcoating the realities of mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is ‘Turtles All the Way Down’ a detective or mystery movie?
A: While the plot features a missing person case, the film is not a traditional detective story. The mystery serves as a backdrop for exploring Aza’s mental health and relationships.
Q: How accurate is the depiction of OCD in the film?
A: The portrayal is considered highly authentic, drawing on John Green’s personal experiences with OCD. The film illustrates the condition’s complexity and resistance to simple resolutions.
Q: Does the movie provide closure to its major storylines?
A: Yes, but in a realistic, not overly tidy fashion. Some relationship dynamics remain messy, mirroring real life—yet key emotional journeys reach meaningful conclusions.
Q: Is prior knowledge of the book necessary to enjoy the film?
A: No. The film stands on its own, accessible for fans of the novel and first-time viewers alike.
Q: What age group is the movie most suited for?
A: The film is best suited for mature teens and adults, due to its honest treatment of mental health and complex emotional themes.
Final Verdict
“Turtles All the Way Down” is a strikingly genuine portrayal of teenage life and mental illness—a coming-of-age story that trades spectacle for sincerity and sensationalism for empathy. By shining a spotlight on the reality of living with OCD, it opens a vital conversation for audiences of all ages while never losing sight of the universal themes of love, loss, and growth. For viewers seeking an emotionally rich, character-driven film with heart and substance, this adaptation more than delivers.
References
- https://cedars.cedarville.edu/2017/11/book-review-turtles-all-the-way-down-by-john-green/
- https://www.yorkreview.org/articles/s85pn2ncvdwz485re2ww0j9pj992cm
- https://thesassylibraryfox.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/review-turtles-all-the-way-down-john-green-2/
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/turtles-all-the-way-down-review
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/best-coming-of-age-movies
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS5was08b0k
- https://bookspoils.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/review-turtles-all-the-way-down-by-john-green/
