While The Fault in Our Stars tackles suffering and mortality, Turtles All the Way Down explores the meaning of life and how challenging it can be with a mental illness. And I can tell you that this movie will make you chuckle, cry and contemplate the meaning of life before the credits roll.
Turtles All the Way Down zeroes in on the main character's internal struggles, and it was enough to get me thinking about what it's truly like to live with OCD. Aza's thoughts are often consumed by her fear of germs, and when they spiral out of control, she's practically paralyzed with fear or on the brink of a full-on panic attack.
Marks managed to make me feel as if I experienced those thought spirals right along with her, from her nervous voice-overs to those quick flashes of anxiety-inducing microbial footage. It gets a bit intense and overwhelming at times (for example, when Aza panics and consumes handfuls of sanitizer after kissing Davis). However, it's an eye-opening look at just how crippling this condition can be, especially when it comes to maintaining relationships with loved ones.
Merced's honest portrayal of Aza adds depth to the character, and Cree shines as her loyal, free-spirited bestie. As much as I enjoyed watching Aza's budding romance with Davis, I'm especially drawn to her shared moments with Daisy. Their tight-knit bond feels genuine, and their interactions—which offer a bit of comic relief—make for the most memorable scenes. (For instance, I still can't get my mind off that one scene where they jam out to Outkast's "Ms. Jackson.")
If you, like me, really enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, then you'll appreciate the parallels in this emotional film. You'll get the smart, philosophical protagonist who's dealing with trauma, a sweet romance and plenty of opportunities to reflect on the purpose of life.
