Marti Noxon’s Netflix dark comedy finds Lily Collins in an unconventional group home for addicts, as the 20-year-old fights the grip of anorexia. In the same vein as the “YA” genre so massively popular in novels, theaters and streaming services, To the Bone caters to a youthful, angst-filled audience battling demons of their own. (BKP: 3.5/5)
Review by Managing Editor Brigid K. Presecky
Viewers get a sense of who Ellen (Collins) is from the opening scene: a smart, tortured soul who doesn’t belong in an eating disorder treatment center – or so she thinks. But with the threatening encouragement of her straight-laced stepfamily (Carrie Preston and Liana Liberato), she agrees to get help at an inpatient program run by Dr. William Beckham (Keanu Reeves).
A college dropout who tries and fails to overcome anorexia, Ellen fits in with the six other patients grappling with the same issues. It’s here where the story flourishes, depicting eating disorders with chilling reality. The calories in a piece of chicken, the binging, the purging and the secret stashes; all the torment surrounding these issues is front and center.
Ellen adjusts to life in the program, befriending five other girls and British ballet dancer, Luke (Alex Sharp) who becomes her biggest cheerleader. Surprisingly, the most understanding and grounded characters featured throughout the film are men – Luke and Dr. Beckham, who throws around cliches like, “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, it matters how many times you get up,” unintentionally sounding amateurish for a high-profile doctor.
While the depiction of eating disorders seems strikingly accurate, Ellen’s relationship with her mother Judy (Lili Taylor, coming off an impressive season of American Crime) is a weak point. Anyone struggling with a self-harming disorder has a deep-seated reason for doing so, but here, it’s made into a too-obvious cause-and-effect relationship.
Viewers may relate to the mother and daughter conflict, but the bizarre moments (like Judy feeding Ellen out of a bottle) discredits the realistic foundation built in the first two acts.
Despite its shortcomings, Lily Collins steals the show as the film’s lead, subtly transitioning into a shell of person with each scene. Her physical transformation is breathtaking in the worst way possible; a protruding spine and rib cage and an arm no wider than a silver dollar. Yet, Collins conveys every emotion through her eyes, a part of the body that can’t physically be whittled down into nothing. Liberato, in a miniscule role as Ellen’s stepsister Kelly, embodies the role of a person who is being hurt, not doing the hurting. Instead, she is the friend on the sidelines with nothing to do but beg the person she loves to get help. Liberato nails the blink-and-you-miss-her character, providing heart and humor with the limited screen time she’s given.
The entire supporting cast, from Parks and Recreation’s Retta as well as the talented Leslie Bibb, embody realistic people who balance out the melodrama and deliver a powerful message with ease. For any viewer struggling with an eating disorder (or any disorder, for that matter), To the Bone will provide inspiration that is only one click away.
© Brigid K. Presecky (7/15/17) FF2 Media
Top Photo: Ellen weighs in
Middle Photo: Ellen visits Dr. William Beckham (Keanu Reeves) to help her with anorexia
Bottom Photo: Ellen and her stepsister, Kelly (Liana Liberato) before a family meeting
Photo Credits: Netflix
Q: Does To the Bone pass the Bechdel-Wallace Test?
Yes!
Not only does Ellen (Lily Collins) have scenes with her mother, stepmother and stepsister, she also bonds with the young women who are in the in-patient program. Although the men in the film are depicted as being stronger, wiser and more grounded than the women, it passes the Bechdel-Wallace test with flying colors.
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like
to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your
work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send
me an e-mail.
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this article is
amazing, great written and come with approximately all significant infos.
I would like to look more posts like this .
Can I simply say what a relief to uncover a person that genuinely knows
what they are discussing over the internet.
You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it
important. A lot more people have to read this and understand
this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
I believe that is one of the most vital information for me.
And i am glad studying your article. But wanna commentary on few normal issues, The web site style is great, the articles is in reality excellent :
D. Just right activity, cheers
It’s hard to find educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Hi there, I desire to subscribe for this webpage to get most up-to-date updates, thus where can i do it please
assist.
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to
get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a very good job with this.
In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Firefox.
Excellent Blog!
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as
yours lol
excellent put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite specialists of
this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing.
I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this
blog and I’m inspired! Extremely helpful information specially
the last part 🙂 I care for such information a
lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of
luck.
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
I all the time used to read article in news papers but now as I
am a user of web so from now I am using net for
articles, thanks to web.
I savour, result in I discovered just what I was taking a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
I am actually grateful to the holder of this site who has shared this fantastic paragraph at here.
I just couldn’t go away your website prior to suggesting that I
extremely enjoyed the standard information a person supply in your guests?
Is gonna be back regularly in order to investigate cross-check new posts
Greetings! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems
with hackers and I’m looking at options for another
platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
Amazing issues here. I am very happy to peer your article.
Thanks so much and I am taking a look ahead to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his web site,
because here every data is quality based information.
What’s up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this
web site, and your views are fastidious designed for new people.
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and
come with approximately all important infos. I would like to peer more posts like this .
Very rapidly this website will be famous among all blog viewers, due to it’s fastidious content
Having read this I believed it was really enlightening.
I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this short article together.
I once again find myself spending a significant
amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth
it!
There is certainly a great deal to find out about this issue.
I love all the points you’ve made.
Stunning story there. What occurred after? Thanks!
Good article. I certainly appreciate this website.
Stick with it!
Right now it sounds like Movable Type is the
best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read)
Is that what you are using on your blog?
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity
to your post is just cool and that i can assume you’re knowledgeable on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to stay
updated with drawing close post. Thank you one million and please
keep up the rewarding work.
Hurrah! At last I got a weblog from where I know how to truly take
valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you
download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. With thanks
I needed to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it.
I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…
What’s up to all, since I am genuinely keen of reading this webpage’s post to be updated
daily. It carries good material.
Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article.
Thank you so much and I’m looking ahead to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
excellent points altogether, you just received a logo new
reader. What might you suggest about your publish that you made
a few days ago? Any sure?
I visited several web pages except the audio quality for audio songs
current at this website is actually marvelous.
Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering
your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking
to exchange solutions with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thank you
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it
from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would
really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where
you got your theme. With thanks
Hi there mates, its impressive paragraph on the topic of teachingand completely
explained, keep it up all the time.
Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us
so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and great design and style.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to
be precisely what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write
content in your case? I wouldn’t mind publishing
a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write related to
here. Again, awesome weblog!
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may I wish to recommend
you few fascinating issues or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I want to learn even more issues approximately it!
Its such as you read my thoughts! You appear to grasp a lot
about this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.
I believe that you just could do with some percent to force the message house
a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
Amazing! Its in fact remarkable paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from
this piece of writing.
Hi there, this weekend is good in favor of me, as this
occasion i am reading this wonderful informative article here at my residence.
Yes! Finally something about website.
I used to be suggested this blog via my cousin. I’m now not sure whether or not
this submit is written via him as nobody else recognise such specified about my trouble.
You are amazing! Thank you!
Great blog right here! Also your site rather a lot up fast!
What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate
link in your host? I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone
and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop,
just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now
broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had
to share it with someone!
I for all time emailed this webpage post page to all my friends, for the reason that if like to read
it next my links will too.
I love what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve included
you guys to my blogroll.
I used to be suggested this web site through my cousin. I’m no longer positive
whether or not this publish is written via him as no one else recognize such certain about my
trouble. You’re wonderful! Thank you!
Undeniably imagine that that you said. Your favorite justification seemed
to be on the web the simplest factor to consider of. I say to you, I certainly get
annoyed while folks consider worries that they plainly
don’t recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects ,
other people could take a signal. Will probably be again to
get more. Thank you
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just
too excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating
and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and
you still care for to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a wonderful web site.
At this time it sounds like Movable Type is the preferred
blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what
you are using on your blog?
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really impressed to
read all at alone place.
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! existing here at this
webpage, thanks admin of this website.
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over
that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the
same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort
to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving
comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
my page: สล็อตเว็บตรง
I really like it whenever people get together and share ideas.
Great website, continue the good work!
Feel free to surf to my page – สล็อตเว็บตรง
I always emailed this web site post page to all my friends, for the reason that if
like to read it after that my friends will too.
my website; สล็อตเว็บตรง
Your method of describing the whole thing in this piece of writing is genuinely
fastidious, all can easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
My homepage … สล็อตเว็บตรง
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long)
so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole
thing. Do you have any suggestions for newbie blog writers?
I’d certainly appreciate it.
Stop by my blog – สล็อตเว็บตรง
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your post. I like to write a little comment
to support you.
Great weblog right here! Also your web site quite a bit up fast!
What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate
hyperlink on your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
For latest news you have to go to see web and on the web I
found this site as a best site for hottest updates.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little
bit, but other than that, this is great blog. An excellent read.
I’ll certainly be back.
Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one
and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you
can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.