Movies about locked-in syndrome - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

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What is Locked-in syndrome?

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which there is complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for the eye movements. It is caused by damage to the pons, a part of the brainstem that contains nerve fibres that relay information to other areas of the brain. Individuals with this syndrome are conscious and awake but have no ability to move or speak.

Movies about Locked-in syndrome

If we missed an essential film about locked-in syndrome, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: Locked In - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2010

Rated: 4.7

Cast: Ben Barnes, Sarah Roemer, Eliza Dushku

Storyline: A seemingly content couple's lives take a tragic turn when their car accident leaves their daughter with locked-in syndrome, a condition in which she is conscious but unable to move or communicate, testing their resilience and love.

Movie Title: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 8

Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Corse

Storyline: The movie depicts the life of Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) who suffered from a massive stroke that left him with a condition called Locked-in Syndrome.

Movie Title: The Theory of Everything - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2014

Rated: 7.7

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior

Storyline: A future physicist learns that he has motor neuron disease. He develops locked-in syndrome but that doesn't prevent his fortune and fame.

Movie Title: Thorne: Sleepyhead

Release: 2010

Rated: 8

Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Corse

Storyline: A mini-series about a man who is hunting down a serial killer and the only key to catch the killer is the survivor who is suffering from locked-in syndrome.

References and Links

What is a locked-in syndrome?: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/coma-and-impaired-consciousness/locked-in-syndrome

More on locked-in syndrome: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/locked-in-syndrome/

Locked-in syndrome according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locked-in_syndrome

Acknowledgements

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi

Photo by Rostyslav Savchyn on Unsplash