Watch Inside The Rain

Inside The Rain, a 2019 film directed by and staring Aaron Fisher, tells the story of Ben, a college student who is expelled due to a case of bipolar disorder that leaves him struggling in academic and personal life. The story follows him as he tries to prove his innocence, while dealing with his condition, and possibly falling in love.

Fisher, who also wrote the screenplay, plays the lead character, Ben Glassman, who is struggling to find his way in the world. After failing his classes, he is put on academic probation, but instead of taking the time off to focus on his mental health, he decides to prove his innocence in a case of plagiarism that resulted in his expulsion. The situation only worsens, as Ben's parents refuse to believe that he is innocent, which leaves Ben with few resources, out of money and away from home.

Ellen Toland plays Emma, a girl Ben meets while writing his screenplay, who could possibly change his state of mind. Emma, a free-spirited and empathetic woman, takes a liking to Ben and his story. Someone who understands Ben's struggles, Emma helps him navigate through some of the toughest moments in his life. Toland's character is an important anchor to Fisher's, and the chemistry between them is both powerful and genuine. In many ways, Emma sees something in Ben that the world can't, and her presence helps him come to terms with his illness.

Rosie Perez portrays Dr. Holloway, Ben's strict and unsentimental therapist. Despite the challenges presented by Ben's condition, Dr. Holloway believes in his potential, encouraging him to create an outlet to express himself, even when those around him reject him.

The movie takes a relatively predictable road - as Ben tries to clear his name and navigate the complexities of falling in love - but it never feels dull. The script does a good job of keeping things fresh, with plenty of humor and heart-tugging moments in between. Watching the film, one can see where Fisher gets his inspiration. Inside The Rain uniquely blends romance, humor and strong performances to create an emotionally rich drama. Toland and Fisher carry the bulk of the film, and the pair have wonderful chemistry, making each moment they're together feel both exciting and uncomfortable.

The film can also work as a cautionary tale about the risks of mental illness, and how it can affect anyone's life. Inside The Rain isn't preachy in its message, but it is a film that is grounded in the reality of living with mental health conditions. Ben is fiercely independent, but even his wits and charm can't prevent the downward spiral. However, despite the struggles, Inside The Rain offers a hopeful ending that doesn't feel manufactured or forced.

Inside The Rain is also visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography that showcases life in New York City. The camera often captures Fisher's character from different angles, always showing his constant fight against inner demons.

The soundtrack of this film complements the visuals perfectly, creating an immersive experience. The film's score is melancholic yet uplifting and provides a fitting accompaniment to the moments of comic relief and emotional turmoil.

In conclusion, Inside The Rain is an authentic portrayal of a young man's struggle with mental health and a touching love story, both of which feel human instead of contrived. Fisher moves from behind the camera to the lead actor with ease and finesse, offering a glimpse into the mental state of someone living with a bipolar disorder.

The film balances the dark tones of mental illness with the lightness of human relationships, making it a joy to watch. This work does a fantastic job of showing the complexities that create an authentic portrayal of mental health and how it impacts our relationships.

Overall, Inside The Rain is a masterpiece, with insightful writing, brilliant performances, and a moving score. It offers a message of hope and understanding to anyone who may be experiencing difficulties coping with their mental health.

Inside The Rain is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6 and a MetaScore of 49.