All the Bright Places shows us that suicide has strong ripple effects and hurts those who are left behind. I believe strongly in discussing mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts, and grief: these issues are common for teenagers and they need to know that they’re not alone and help is available. However, on the flip side, Finch seems to deteriorate as he gives so much to Violet. This, I think, is a successful part of the narrative. Violet opens up and begins to move through her grief through her relationship with Finch as he shows her how to find wonder in everyday life. Sadly, the story is often unsuccessful at walking that fine line.

Meaningful connections with other people are an essential part of taking care of our mental health and overcoming trauma but expecting other people to “fix” us is unrealistic and often dangerous. Any discussion about these particular topics is complicated and difficult, and I feel that there are parts of this movie that could be taken in an unhealthy way. At some point along the way, though, those messages get a little mixed up. Mental health, grief, and suicide are topics that should be discussed and explored with teenagers, and the first half of this film does a really good job with that. The characters of Violet and Finch feel relatable and the themes are timely and relevant. The first half of this movie I really enjoyed. I must disclose that I have not read the book, or even heard of it before seeing this movie, therefore I cannot speak to how faithful the film adaptation is, though I’m sure there are many fans already out there already screaming about it. As they work through their own past traumas and scars, they learn to find joy and meaning in even the smallest moments.Īll the Bright Places is based on a bestselling novel by Jennifer Niven.

When given a class assignment to find local wonders, the two become close friends. Her nonfiction books include The Ice Master, Ada Blackjack, and The Aqua-Net Diaries.Violet Markey (Elle Fanning) is grieving over the death of her sister when she meets Theodore Finch (Justice Smith), a classmate who others describe as a “freak”.

Holding Up the Universe is her second young adult book. Her first book for young adult readers, All the Bright Places, was published in 2015. Her novels for adults include American Blonde, Becoming Clementine, Velva Jean Learns to Fly, and Velva Jean Learns to Drive. Jennifer Niven writes both fiction and nonfiction books.

Includes bibliographical references (page 383). 'Told in alternating voices, when Theodore Finch and Violet Markey meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school-both teetering on the edge-it's the beginning of an unlikely relationship, a journey to discover the 'natural wonders' of the state of Indiana, and two teens' desperate desire to heal and save one another' - Provided by publisher.

All the bright places pages