Watch What If It Works?
- NR
- 2018
- 1 hr 34 min
-
5.6 (343)
What If It Works? is a 2017 Australian romantic comedy-drama that explores the relationship between two individuals who are struggling with their own mental health issues. The film is directed by Romi Trower and stars Luke Ford as Adrian, a young man with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Anna Samson as Grace, a woman with dissociative identity disorder.
Adrian is a brilliant designer who is very good at his job, but his OCD makes it difficult for him to function in his personal life. He is constantly checking, washing his hands and counting things, which makes it hard for him to form meaningful relationships. Adrian attends a support group where he meets Grace, who is there to help manage her dissociative identity disorder.
Grace is fiercely independent and has created a system to manage her different personalities. She has a job as an art therapist and is making strides in her mental health journey. However, as she starts to fall for Adrian, she worries that her disorder will push him away. She struggles to keep her different personalities in check around him, which leads to some awkward and uncomfortable situations.
The chemistry between Adrian and Grace is undeniable, but their mental health issues make it difficult for them to navigate a relationship. Their struggles are depicted in a realistic and nuanced way, with the film highlighting the importance of patience, understanding, and communication in any relationship.
What If It Works? does an excellent job of portraying mental health issues without falling into the trap of sensationalism or stereotypes. The film is both entertaining and thought-provoking, as it raises important questions about the stigma surrounding mental health and the role of love and acceptance in the healing process.
In addition to the romantic storyline, the film also delves into the creative world of Adrian, who designs comic book characters as a coping mechanism for his OCD. These scenes provide a glimpse into the mind of someone with a mental health condition and the techniques they use to manage their symptoms.
The performances of Luke Ford and Anna Samson are standout, with both actors portraying their characters with sensitivity and depth. They bring a relatable and human quality to the characters, making it easy for the audience to empathize with them.
The supporting cast also adds to the film's charm, particularly Brooke Satchwell as Adrian's quirky neighbor Lorraine. She provides some comedic relief and is a bright spot in Adrian's isolated world.
The film's cinematography is beautiful, with a warm and inviting color palette that enhances the film's optimistic tone. The setting of Melbourne is also utilized well, with the city becoming a character in its own right.
What If It Works? is a film that handles its subject matter with care and honesty. It's a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre that will leave audiences with a deeper understanding of mental health issues and the importance of compassion and understanding.
What If It Works? is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.