To the Bone is a film that addresses the issue of body shaming and its negative impact on mental health. Directed by Marti Noxon and produced by Netflix, the movie follows the story of Ellen, a 20-year-old girl struggling with anorexia nervosa.
Ellen returns home to her father’s house after attempting various rehabilitation programs to overcome her eating disorder. Her stepmother, Susan, feels that Ellen needs more guidance and introduces her to Dr. William Beckham. During their first meeting, Dr. Beck discovers that Ellen’s condition is quite severe and can be fatal. He persuades Ellen to undergo his unconventional rehabilitation program, which involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, and support from peers who are also struggling with eating disorders.
In addition to Ellen, the film introduces several other characters, including Luke, a male dancer who suffered from anorexia and also had a severe knee injury, Meghan, a pregnant woman, and several others. The group has a diverse set of backgrounds, and each person has their own story of how they developed an eating disorder. While undergoing treatment and interacting with her peers, Ellen learns valuable lessons on coping with her illness and supporting each other.
Throughout the film, viewers gain insight into the complexity of anorexia, including triggers, behaviors, and the mental stress that accompanies the illness. While some see the disease as simply a desire to be thin, the film helps to break the stereotypes by providing a deeper understanding of the condition and how it affects people physically and mentally.
To the Bone also highlights the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty, and how this normalization of being thin as a form of beauty can trigger various eating disorders including anorexia. Thankfully, the film goes beyond just highlighting the issue and provides practical ways for viewers to support those who are struggling with eating disorders.
As the film reaches its conclusion, Ellen’s journey to recovery is not without obstacles. Her difficulties with her family and the complexity of her illness are portrayed realistically, giving viewers a better understanding of the disease and its effects. With its powerful and thought-provoking narrative, To the Bone is a film that provides a much-needed perspective on anorexia, triggering conversations about body image and opening doors to better support those struggling with eating disorders.
