Sucker Punch (2011 Film) - All Behind A Smile

Triggering. The perfect word to describe the film Sucker Punch.

So what makes this film triggering?

Well, I imagine this film would be extremely triggering to anyone with a history of being victimized by a sexual predator, as the film revolves around this. But to someone without that past, Sucker Punch is still triggering. It goes in depth (sorta) with mental illness. If you ever watch the film you’ll see exactly what I mean – it’s not a direct reference, but it’s most definitely there.

Aside from being triggering, Sucker Punch is a bit terrifying. In the beginning there is a scene that deals with lobotomy, and there is a lot of fighting and abuse of various kinds. Be prepared emotionally if you decide to watch this film, and maybe watch it with a trusted friend or family member.

Feedback for Sucker Punch:

Although this film received a lot of critical feedback, personally, I love it. It portrays mental illness in an indescribable way – which is perfect, since mental illness is indescribable.

Babydoll (Emily Browning) is put into an asylum (another potential trigger) by her stepfather – who has been abusing her.

In a genius move, Snyder has Babydoll performing – but we never really see her perform. Instead, we see Babydoll’s mental reality – and her plan for escape. Even though you could explain this reality away as imagination, I think that’s part of the genius – no one but the sufferer knowing (and even then, the sufferer may not be fully aware) is part of mental illness in reality, too.

Thoughts:

There is a lot to dissect with Sucker Punch. After watching the film several times, I still notice new things, or see it in a different light. Although I would not recommend this film to those who have been victims of a sexual predator due to the nature of it, Sucker Punch is a great film that I highly recommend to fans of movies about mental illness.

It’s not your typical mental illness film (as noted above), but a welcome breath of fresh air, as it were.

Have you watched this film? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.