Boy Interrupted

Boy Interrupted is a 2009 documentary film on the life and death of Evan Perry, who experienced bipolar depression from a young age.

When his parents, Dana and Hart Perry, consulted psychiatrists about Evan's suicidal comments or other signs of depression, medical professionals did not believe that he was mentally ill, and the footage was originally intended to show his symptoms and help access to the treatment he needed.

About four years after Evan's death, the documentary was shown at the Sundance Film Festival and released on television and DVD.

Dana Perry, a professional filmmaker, knew that psychiatrists would not believe anything she told them about her son.

Following his diagnosis with Bipolar depression at the Four Winds mental institution, Evan was prescribed lithium.

After showing progress at Wellspring, Evan was sent to York Prep School, displaying healthier behavior and engaging in typical activities.

Despite being close to his family and friends, his bipolar depression remained unnoticed until shortly before his suicide.

At 15, Evan requested to stop taking lithium, gradually reducing his dosage with therapist approval.

He left behind a list of reasons to live and die before committing suicide through jumping from his window.

Evan's father had a brother who was diagnosed with bipolar depression and committed suicide at the age of 21.

[3] Variety noted that because of his parents' occupations, they did a good job in recording his life, and produced an "elegiac little gem".

[4] The Movie Blog criticised the production quality, but found that the film still "communicated effectively and with a lot of emotion".

[3] SI Live suggested that the boy's story perhaps did not merit a documentary, but it was "valuable viewing" in that it would educate people a little about mental illness.