Boy Interrupted (2009)
Story overview
Boy Interrupted is a deeply personal 2009 documentary by filmmaker parents Dana Heinz Perry and Hart Perry, chronicling the life and tragic suicide of their 15-year-old son Evan due to bipolar disorder. Through home videos, interviews, and family reflections, it explores Evan's lifelong mental health struggles, the family's journey through diagnosis and treatment, and the generational impact of mental illness and suicide. The film aims to destigmatize these topics while honoring Evan's memory with raw honesty.
Parent Guide
A profoundly emotional documentary about mental illness and suicide that requires mature emotional readiness. Not suitable for children or sensitive viewers.
Content breakdown
No physical violence shown, but the central topic is suicide (jumping from a window) which is discussed in detail. Home videos show Evan as a child playing normally.
Extremely disturbing emotional content including detailed discussion of a teenager's suicide, family grief, mental health crises, and generational trauma. Includes photos of Evan after his death (not graphic but emotionally intense).
Occasional mild language in home video footage. The documentary tone is respectful and clinical in discussing difficult topics.
No sexual content or nudity. The film focuses exclusively on mental health and family relationships.
No depiction or discussion of substance use. Focus is on psychiatric medication and therapy for bipolar disorder.
Extremely high emotional intensity throughout. Parents recount their son's suicide with raw grief, home videos show Evan's childhood contrasted with his mental health struggles, and the film explores generational patterns of mental illness. May trigger strong emotional responses in viewers with personal experiences of suicide or mental illness.
Parent tips
1. This documentary deals explicitly with suicide, mental illness, and profound grief - preview it yourself before deciding if it's appropriate for your family.
2. Best suited for mature teens and adults who can process heavy emotional content; not recommended for young children.
3. Watch together with older teens to provide support and discuss the important themes of mental health awareness.
4. Have mental health resources available for discussion (like crisis hotlines).
5. Be prepared for emotional scenes including Evan's suicide description and family grief.
6. The film includes home video footage of Evan throughout his childhood, making his loss particularly poignant.
7. Consider your family's personal experiences with mental health or suicide when deciding to watch.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What did you learn about bipolar disorder from this film?
- How do you think Evan's family could have been better supported?
- What are some healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions?
- Why is it important to talk about mental health openly?
- What would you do if a friend talked about feeling suicidal?
Where to watch
Choose region:
- HBO Max
- HBO Max Amazon Channel
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
