Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Prozac Nation

Reviewer:
Sharon Lockaby and Philip Clarke

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Adults Only

Age Range Explained:
It is Rated R

Subject Headings:
College, Depression, Divorce, Family dynamics, Mental disorder

Review:
Prozac Nation is a movie based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's autobiographical book that documents her struggle with drugs, alcohol, and depression while she is at Harvard for journalism. Lizzie is a teenager raised by her divorced mother, but struggles with feelings surrounding her relationship with her father. She felt very different from everyone in her world until she meets her freshman roommate Ruby. Within her first year she loses her virginity and is awarded a great honor from Rolling Stone. She quickly begins a downward spiral and begins to abuse alcohol and drugs. Falling deeper into her depression, Lizzie’s anger and misery escalate and she lashes out at all the important people in her life. Lizzie gets psychiatric help and after a long period in treatment under medication and a suicide attempt, Lizzie begins to stabilize.

Prozac Nation gives a very personal story and view to how complex and messy depression can become. This movie also lets the audience in on many of the thought processes of young adults dealing with drugs, relationships, and therapy. For counselors, this movie gives insight into the college age mind. There is also much knowledge to be gained around the role that Lizzie allows therapy be in her life. Lizzie’s struggles with counseling show how much effort it took for her to understand her therapy and how she slowly became better following these insights.