‘All the Bright Places’ Review: Love Amid Trauma

In the Netflix movie “All the Bright Places,” based on Jennifer Niven’s 2015 novel and directed by Brett Haley, audiences are introduced to the high school student Violet Markey (Elle Fanning) just as she’s staring down at the edge of a bridge, contemplating the value of her life. It is at that moment when Theodore Fitch (Justice Smith), a stranger who happens to be jogging along that same overpass, encourages her to step back.

As much as Violet tries to push him away at the beginning of their relationship, Theodore’s determination to get her to see all the positive things about life — including lakes and the healing power of love — reinvigorates her. But as that happens, his own trauma and mental illness bubble to the service. Smith and Fanning bring thoughtful performances to this delicate tale.

Even in today’s era when mental health is finally receiving the attention it deserves, black people are often left out of the conversation. So, it’s refreshing, and even cathartic, to see a young adult narrative explore how that affects black teens like Theodore who are struggling.

But as progressive as “All the Bright Places” is in that respect, Theodore’s story line is not always handled with the depth it should receive. It’s an unfortunate flaw in a film that impressively balances moments of joy with equally resonating despair.