Is When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When The Bough Breaks is a feature length documentary about postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When The Bough Breaks is a feature length documentary about postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. When actress Tanya Newbould experienced PPD with her daughter she did not understand what was wrong with her or how to go about getting help. Tanya teamed up with Director Jamielyn Lippman to uncover this illness that affects one in five new mothers. One of the women they interviewed was Lindsay Gerszt who was currently suffering from postpartum depression. Lindsay agreed to let the cameras document her and give us an in depth look at her path to recovery. Babies are dying, women aren't speaking out and the signs are being missed. Together these three women take us on a journey to find answers and break the silence."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Brooke Shields delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Jamielyn Lippman is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 93 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jamielyn Lippman respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Brooke Shields or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.