Anorexia can be one of the most devastating eating disorders, both for those who suffer from it and for those close to them. It’s not just about not eating food either. It can be an obsession with weight, exercise, and appearance that leads sufferers to get into dangerous situations – sometimes harming themselves or their loved ones without realizing it. Anorexia is the preoccupation with losing weight and food, eating less, or exercising excessively that may cause a number of psychological or physical symptoms such as low self-esteem, depression, and disordered eating. This list of movies about anorexia will help you understand what it’s like to have anorexia and help you see that recovery is possible, even if these difficult movies might make you uncomfortable at times.
Movies About Anorexia
1. A Lot Like Love
Directed by Cheryl Hines & Jill Soloway. A look at the lives of two sisters who struggle with their own eating disorders, one of which is triggered by the other’s illness. The film breaks down common concerns that people with eating disorders have about their own illnesses and offers the audience lines of support for those going through similar struggles in their lives.
2. Girl, Interrupted
Directed by James Mangold. A troubled young women enters a psychiatric clinic, claiming to be sane though she feels insane and often imagines herself as one of the patients. Much like Anorexia, this film paints another picture of what life with an eating disorder can be like and paints a realistic portrait of what life in a hospital really looks like.
3. The Best Little Girl in the World
This film offers a glimpse into the life of a girl and her family who struggle to accept her illness, but realize that recovery is possible with professional help.
4. Half-Sick of Shadows
Based on the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, this story follows high school students who are struggling with issues like divorce and death, but also have to deal with eating disorders such as anorexia.
5. Felicia’s Journey
This Academy Award-nominated film follows the story of a young woman who, after a failed suicide attempt, is sent to her aunt’s home in Ireland. While there, Felicia meets a local man who brings out feelings she’s never experienced before. After a passionate breakup, Felicia begins starving herself, hoping to look more beautiful and win him back. Starring Samantha Morton and John Lynch.
6. My Beautiful Son
The story follows a family that has two daughters, one of whom is anorexic. The film shows how the family learns to cope with their daughter’s illness, and how they try to help her overcome her addiction. The role of the mother is played by Moria Boyce. Starring: Chantal Contostavlos, Anita Briem, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Ann Marie Sargeant.
7. Casting By
Starring Emma Roberts, Kevin Zegers, Lucy Lawless, Luke Wilson. A documentary about anorexic models in the fashion industry and their struggles to recover from their illness.
8. A Single Man
The movie is directed by Tom Ford. An intense and emotional look at the life of a homosexual man who after the death of his partner maintains his composure and dignity until he begins to unravel. This film helps one better understand anorexia, the lasting effects it can have on people, and what it feels like to live in your own head most of the time.
Conclusion
We hope these movies will helped! We encourage people who are struggling with anorexia to seek help and take care of themselves as soon as possible.