To the Bone

A woman's battle and recovery from anorexia

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About To the Bone

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 47m

Cast
Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston, Lili Taylor, Alex Sharp, Liana Liberato, Brooke Smith, Leslie Bibb, Kathryn Prescott

About To the Bone

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About

To the Bone is a 2017 independent drama film directed by Marti Noxon. The movie tackles the sensitive topic of eating disorders, particularly focusing on anorexia nervosa. It follows the story of a young woman named Ellen who is struggling with her eating disorder and goes through various treatment programs in order to recover.

The film provides a raw and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders and delves into the complex psychological and physical struggles they experience. Through Ellen's journey, the movie explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of support.

Making / Production

To the Bone was written and directed by Marti Noxon, who drew inspiration from her own personal experiences with an eating disorder. Noxon wanted to create a film that would shed light on the realities of eating disorders and spark conversations about mental health.

The production of the film involved extensive research and collaboration with professionals in the field of eating disorders to ensure an accurate and sensitive portrayal of the subject matter. The film's cast and crew also received training and guidance to handle the sensitive content responsibly.

Actors

  • Lily Collins as Ellen - Lily Collins delivers a stunning performance as Ellen, effectively portraying the character's emotional turmoil and physical deterioration.
  • Keanu Reeves as Dr. William Beckham - Keanu Reeves plays the role of Ellen's unconventional doctor who specializes in treating eating disorders. He brings a sense of compassion and understanding to his character.
  • Alex Sharp as Luke - Alex Sharp plays Luke, a fellow patient in the treatment program, who develops a romantic connection with Ellen. Sharp brings charm and vulnerability to his role.
  • Carrie Preston as Susan - Carrie Preston plays Ellen's stepmother, providing a nuanced portrayal of a caring but often overwhelmed parent.
  • Leslie Bibb as Judy - Leslie Bibb plays Ellen's biological mother, highlighting the complexities of their relationship and the impact it has on Ellen's journey.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The film drew inspiration from Marti Noxon's own experiences with anorexia.
  • Lily Collins lost weight for the role under the guidance of a nutritionist to accurately portray the physical effects of an eating disorder.
  • To the Bone sparked discussions about the potential risks of triggering individuals with eating disorders due to its graphic portrayal of the illness.
  • The film received a mixed response from critics, with some praising its authenticity and performances, while others expressed concerns about the potential glamorization of eating disorders.

Awards

To the Bone received acclaim for its performances and handling of sensitive subject matter but didn't win any major awards.

Quotes

  • "I'm not like you, I'm not strong like you." - Ellen
  • "One bite, one meal, one day at a time." - Dr. William Beckham
  • "You need to be honest with yourself, and then you can start being honest with others." - Luke

Music

The film features a thoughtful and evocative soundtrack that enhances the emotional impact of the story. The music selection includes a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks.

Soundtrack

  • "No Surprises" by Radiohead
  • "Breathe Me" by Sia
  • "Moon" by Kid Francescoli
  • "Crash into Me" by Dave Matthews Band
  • "Liability" by Lorde