Finding love is hard, in general. However, it is even harder for people with mental health disabilities as they navigate through life discovering themselves in the process. The following series and movies on Netflix tell their stories in an inclusive, diverse, and entertaining way with hopes of helping other people understand what it’s like to live in their shoes.
6 Series and Movies that Focus on Love and Mental Health
6. Love on the Spectrum
Documentary Series
For young adults on the autism spectrum, exploring the unpredictable world of dating can be extra complicated. ‘Love on the Spectrum’ follows seven singles as they take their first steps into the world of dating. Along with some help from their families, experts provide these love-seekers with practical skills to help them navigate the world of dating and give them the confidence that they need on the road to finding love.
5. Special
Comedy Series
‘Special’ is a unique and uplifting new series about Ryan, a gay man with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and finally go after the life he wants. After years of dead-end internships, working in his pajamas as a blogger, and communicating mostly via text; Ryan eventually figures out how to take his life from bleak to chic.
4. Unforgettable
Drama Movie
After befriending a stray dog, a vibrant young woman with autism embarks on a long journey, convinced her furry friend can heal her sick grandmother.
3. All the Bright Places
Drama Movie
Based on the internationally bestselling novel by Jennifer Niven, ‘All The Bright Places’ tells the story of Violet Markey (Elle Fanning) and Theodore Finch (Justice Smith), who meet and change each other’s lives forever. As they struggle with the emotional and physical scars of their past, they come together, discovering that even the smallest places and moments can mean something. This compelling drama provides a refreshing and human take on the experience of mental illness, its impact on relationships, as well as the beauty and lasting impact of young love.
2. Atypical
Drama Series
Atypical is a coming-of-age story that follows Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the ongoing central theme of the series: what does it really mean to be normal?
1. It’s Okay to Not be Okay
Drama Series
Growing up, Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) always felt secondary to his autistic older brother Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se). He believed his parents only had him to make sure someone could take care of Sang-tae. Sang-tae is a huge fan of Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Yea-ji), a popular children’s book author, and ends up illustrating for her. Famous for her dark stories, Ko Mun-yeong has an anti-social disposition and a penchant for sharp knives. She finds Gang-tae intriguing and similar to her despite their very different personalities.
(ALSO READ: 6 Reasons to Watch ‘It’s Okay to Not be Okay’)
All photos from Netflix.
Have you watched any of these yet?
Got any series or movies you’d like us to review? Email me at angeline.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When in Manila Angeline on Facebook. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Join our WhenInManila.com community on Viber, as well!
