Watch 55 Steps

55 Steps is a 2017 drama film that is based on a true story of a woman who fought for her rights and made a significant impact on mental health laws worldwide. The movie stars Hilary Swank, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johan Heldenbergh in the leading roles. The film revolves around the story of Eleanor Riese, a brilliant lawyer who is diagnosed with schizophrenia after experiencing several psychotic episodes. She is admitted to a psychiatric facility against her will where she meets Colette Hughes, a quirky nurse who becomes her friend and advocate. Eleanor sees injustice in her treatment by the hospital staff and decides to fight back.

Colette, who has a heart of gold, offers to help Eleanor in fighting for her rights. The two women develop a strong bond and work together to ensure that Eleanor is not just left to the mercy of the hospital. Helena Bonham Carter portrays the role of Colette Hughes to perfection, capturing her charisma and passion for fighting for the rights of those who cannot defend themselves.

Hilary Swank plays Eleanor Riese, a strong-willed woman who refuses to be defined by her illness. Swank's portrayal of Eleanor is honest, raw, and emotional, and it is a testament to her acting ability. Despite her mental condition, Eleanor is portrayed as a person with immense respect for her profession, and her fight for her rights is portrayed in a powerful manner.

The movie's title takes inspiration from the fifty-five steps Eleanor has to take to gain the right to refuse medication. Eleanor's fight is not only against the hospital, but it is also against the law that allowed such treatment of mental patients. Eleanor's health battles took years to find justice.

Johan Heldenbergh plays Mort Cohen, Eleanor's lawyer, who takes up her case to make significant changes to the laws regarding the treatment of mental patients. Mort, like Colette, becomes a friend to Eleanor and takes her case as a personal cause.

The movie is set in San Francisco, California, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and it has a rough, gritty feel to it that transports the viewer back in time. The period setting is also used cleverly to highlight the laws and attitudes of the times. The costumes and makeup capture the era perfectly, adding authenticity to the movie's overall feel.

55 Steps is not just a movie about mental health laws; it's a story about the power of friendship, hope, and the human spirit. Director Bille August captures the essence of the story, and the screenplay by Mark Bruce Rosin is a well-written adaptation of the true events. The movie takes a balanced approach, showcasing the hospitals' good and bad aspects, and is never preachy or judgmental.

The movie's pacing is excellent, and the story keeps the viewer engaged throughout its running time. The movie also touches upon some of the significant problems that mental health patients face, ranging from the stigma attached to the illness to the problems of incorporating them back into society. The movie's ultimate message is that individuals with mental illness should be treated with respect and dignity, and they need to be given an equal chance to live a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, 55 Steps is an emotionally charged drama that is a must-watch for anyone who values the fight for human rights, especially for those who are most vulnerable. The strong performances by the lead actors coupled with the well-written screenplay make this movie one of the best dramas of 2017. The movie is a celebration of Eleanor Riese's life and her battle for mental patients' rights, and her story is an inspiration to people all over the world.

55 Steps is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 42.