Watch Walk Away Renee

Walk Away Renee is a moving documentary film that follows Jonathan Caouette and his mother Renee on a road trip from Texas to New York. The film explores their complicated relationship and the various challenges they face together, as well as Renee's struggles with mental illness. The film opens with a shot of New York City, with Jonathan reflecting on his relationship with his mother and the difficult journey they are about to embark on. We then see him picking up Renee from a care home in Texas, where she has been living for several years. Renee suffers from bipolar disorder and has experienced a number of hospitalizations throughout her life.

As they set off on their journey, Jonathan reveals that he has recently discovered a collection of his mother's handwritten notes and diary entries from many years ago. These writings provide a window into Renee's past and give Jonathan a better understanding of the struggles she has faced over the years.

Throughout the film, we see Jonathan and Renee visiting various locations that hold significance for them, including the hospital where Renee was admitted for her first psychotic episode and the cemetery where Jonathan's grandparents are buried. They also visit a number of doctors and medical professionals as they attempt to navigate the complex world of mental health care.

One of the central themes of the film is the idea of memory and how it is constructed. Jonathan frequently reflects on his own memories of his mother, and how they are often clouded by her mental illness and the various medications she has been prescribed over the years. He also questions the accuracy of Renee's own memories, given her history of psychosis and delusions.

As they make their way north, Jonathan and Renee's relationship becomes increasingly strained, with a number of arguments and misunderstandings arising between them. Renee's mental state also begins to deteriorate, culminating in a difficult encounter with a police officer.

Despite the challenges they face, the film is ultimately a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Jonathan's unwavering commitment to his mother's care is truly inspiring, and Renee's bravery in the face of her illness is truly remarkable.

Overall, Walk Away Renee is a powerful and deeply moving film that explores some of the most important and difficult issues facing families affected by mental illness. Jonathan Caouette's storytelling is honest and heartfelt, and Renee Leblanc's struggles and triumphs are sure to inspire and touch anyone who watches the film.

Walk Away Renee is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 51.