Entertainment Blog #240 | Turtles All the Way Down [2024] - A Struggle Between Love & Thoughts

You know we are surrounded by microorganisms. Whatever we do, there will be some microorganism transaction. I've heard that in a kiss, millions of microorganisms get exchanged. but we don't think about it and keep kissing. It's because we don't care about that microorganism part. What if someone can't get that microorganism thing out of his head? Crazy right??

"Turtles All the Way Down," a 2024 American romantic drama film, is based on John Green's 2017 novel of the same name. the movie is directed by Hannah Marks, with a screenplay by Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker. The movie features a cast that includes Isabela Merced, Cree, Felix Mallard, Maliq Johnson, Poorna Jagannathan, and Judy Reyes. The release was delayed due to Fox 2000 Pictures' closure and then picked up by New Line Cinema. The movie was released on May 2, 2024, on HBO Max.

Aza is not a normal girl. She has fears. Fears of getting infected by the activities done on a day-to-day basis. She is fear of eating the things she likes, so she has a selected meal to eat at restaurants. She won't let people bring food into her vehicle. She won't kiss or take anything others give. She is that kind of a person.

Being a friend with this kind of a character is complex. But, Daisy does that. It's not easy on her mother, either. Her father passed away at a young age. That was kind of a blow for her too. But she lives a normal life. But on the inside, she's struggling a lot, and no one sees it.

When Aza and Daisy were hanging out at AppleBee's, they saw the news of a missing businessman, Russell Pickett, who is happened to be the father of a childhood crush of Aza, Davis, whom they met at a summer camp. After hearing about the $100,000$ prize for someone who knows about this incident, Daisy made Aza join her and trespass on Pickett's property to find out footage from a CCTV camera, which Aza and Davis set up.

Aza and Casey were caught by a guard at Pickett Properties just after downloading the snaps from the CCTV. Saying that Davis is a friend of Aza, both get away from going to jail. Instead of that, Aza meets Davis after a long time. It seems Davis conncets with Aza right away.

Time passes, and Casey forms a relationship with Mycal, a friend from high school. Davis and Aza are closing up too. How will her fears affect their relationship? How will it end? It's up to you to find out.

"Turtles All the Way Down" stands out from other romantic dramas since it delves deeply into the psychological struggles of its protagonist, Aza, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unlike typical rom-coms, which often prioritize humorous romance and comedic elements, this film takes a more serious tone, delving into the complexities of mental health and its impact on relationships. The story's emphasis on Aza's fears of contamination and her strict routines highlights the difficulties that those with OCD face, providing a moving and realistic portrayal of mental illness. Furthermore, the film incorporates a mystery plot involving a missing billionaire, adding layers of suspense and mystery that differentiate it from more straightforward romantic stories.

"Turtles All the Way Down" has received mostly positive feedback from critics, with an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Metacritic gives it a score of 64%, indicating a generally positive reception. The Guardian gave the film a 3/5, citing its struggle to balance relatable teenage angst with heightened emotions while praising its authentic representation of obsessive-compulsive disorder and Isabela Merced's compelling performance. The film has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, which appeals to both audiences and critics.

"Turtles All the Way Down" is a compelling and heartfelt exploration of love and mental health, making it a standout among romantic dramas. The film's complicated portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder through the character Aza offers a rare and honest look at the struggles and endurance of those suffering from mental illness. The film connects deeply with audiences, thanks to strong performances, particularly by Isabela Merced, and a storyline that balances romance and mystery. It was released on HBO Max and has received positive reviews for its authenticity and emotional depth, establishing its status as a meaningful adaptation of John Green's beloved novel.