To The Bone

To The Bone is a 2017 Netflix original drama following 20-year-old Ellen who struggles with anorexia nervosa. Her step-mother is able to get her into a very well-known and competitive program, run by the unconventional, yet effective, Dr. Beckham (Keanu Reeves). The main condition of this new program is something Ellen is all too familiar with, inpatient living. In the house are 6 other patients dealing with their own struggles, all relating to eating disorders. The film, while sometimes hard to watch, is very well made in its honesty.

The film was written and directed by Marti Noxon, based on her own experience with anorexia. Noxon told the Hollywood Reporter: “In writing this, I didn’t want to try to show the particularities of this one ism, but to talk about the underlying issues” which to me I saw displayed through the relationships Ellen had with those around her. Noxon, in that article, continues to say that it was, for her, very similar to a substance abuse issue.

Another member of the film familiar with anorexia is Lily Collins, who plays Ellen. She was writing her memoir Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me when she received the script for To The Bone.

The film has received a bit of backlash, similar to that of “13 Reasons Why”, despite the difference between the two. I think Noxon gave a very good reply in her interview with EW’s Tim Stack:

“Well, I think in a way we were very fortunate to come after 13 Reasons because it ignited this conversation not only internally at Netflix but then there’s been a certain amount of talk about it in the media, which I think hopefully it will make people aware that if it’s personal to them and they’re at a place where it could be difficult or bring stuff up to them, it might be a good idea to wait. You can never guess what’s going to be activating for somebody. There will be a card before the film letting people know that it can be super emotional.”

Overall, I find the movie to be very beautifully done and it is extremely emotional. Anyone deciding to watch it should do so with caution as it is an extremely sensitive topic and could be triggering to those who are or have struggled with eating disorders. For anyone that may be struggling, the National Eating Disorders Hotline is 1–800–931–2237. You can also go to the National Eating Disorders website to learn more.

Some good links to check out:

http://www.bulimia.com/topics/eating-disorder-hotline/

http://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/lily-collins-to-the-bone/

http://ew.com/movies/2017/07/14/to-the-bone-marti-noxon/