Determined to help her mom, Melanie attempts a series of interventions, hoping that her guidance counselor, a private investigator or even a new date may help, but to no avail.
Melanie navigates her friendship with Lacy and romance with the troubled Daniel while trying to keep her mother afloat, but challenging Dawn's reality of persecution threatens to destroy their loving relationship.
The critics' consensus reads: "A coming-of-age drama that thoughtfully handles hard-hitting themes, Paper Spiders is anchored by heartbreaking performances from its leads.
[11] Katie Walsh of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "Taylor plays Dawn’s slide into this mental health crisis beautifully, and with conviction, and Stefania Owen is stunning [...] Along with the emotionally stripped performances of Taylor and Owen, that personal experience brings a rare honesty and authenticity to this film about mental illness.
"[12] Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter called it "A message film spiked with welcome humor, and its excellent cast is led by the reliably compelling Lili Taylor".