Self-harm, specifically cutting, is a sensitive and complex topic that has been explored in various forms of media, including cinema. Films that delve into this subject often aim to shed light on the emotional and psychological struggles that lead individuals to harm themselves in this way. They can serve to increase awareness, foster understanding, and promote empathy towards those who experience these challenges. While depicting such a delicate subject matter, these films navigate the fine line between representation and the risk of glorification or triggering adverse reactions in some viewers. Below is a list of films that include themes or scenes of cutting or self-harm, each with a brief description. Note that viewer discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of the content.
“Secret Cutting”, 2000
Director: Norma Bailey
A made-for-TV movie that tells the story of Dawn, a teenage girl who resorts to self-harm as a way of dealing with her emotional pain and turmoil. This film explicitly focuses on the issue of cutting, attempting to explore the reasons behind it and its impact on the individual and their family.
Starring: Sean Young, Kimberlee Peterson, Robert Wisden, Taylor Stanley, Rhea Perlman, Cody Serpa, Birkett Turton, Crystal Bublé, Jenny Pudavick, Malina Adams;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Secret Cutting” on the website imdb.com
“Thirteen”, 2016
Director: Vanessa Caswill, China Moo-Young
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, this coming-of-age film follows the life of Tracy, a young girl in Los Angeles who spirals into a world of drugs, sex, and crime. The film notably addresses the issue of self-harm among teenagers as Tracy and her friend Evie engage in cutting.
Starring: Jodie Comer, Valene Kane, Richard Rankin, Natasha Little, Katherine Rose Morley, Stuart Graham, Aneurin Barnard, Mark Flitton, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Eleanor Wyld;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Thirteen” on the website imdb.com
“Sharp Objects”, 2018
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Although it's a television miniseries rather than a film, “Sharp Objects” is a noteworthy inclusion. Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, it stars Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a journalist who returns to her hometown to report on a series of murders and confronts her past, which includes a history of self-harm.
Starring: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina, Eliza Scanlen, Matt Craven, Henry Czerny, Taylor John Smith, Madison Davenport, Miguel Sandoval, Sophia Lillis;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
These films each approach the issue of self-harm from different perspectives, offering insight into the struggles faced by those who engage in this behavior. They can be a resource for understanding or empathy, but for those affected by similar issues, caution is recommended when choosing to watch these films.
Concluding a selection of films that tackle the sensitive and complex issue of self-harm, especially cutting, it is clear that cinema has an unparalleled potential to foster empathy, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversation about mental health challenges. Through a variety of narratives, from heart-wrenching dramas to hopeful journeys of recovery, these films do not shy away from the raw reality of those who grapple with such profound personal struggles. While they tread on delicate ground, the thoughtful representation, coupled with nuanced performances, ensures the subject is handled with the depth and sensitivity it demands. It's pivotal, however, for viewers and creators alike to approach these stories with care, recognizing the power of film to influence and educate, but also its limits in portraying the complexities of mental health issues. As society strives for greater understanding and support for mental health, films about cutting and self-harm contribute significantly to destigmatizing these issues, paving the way for open discussions and encouraging individuals to seek help without shame.
