The trailer to Netflix’s new movie, “To The Bone”, was released not too long ago and it has already received a lot of feedback. The 2 minute and 24 second trailer has stirred up mixed feelings about the impending release of the movie on July 14th. It is being categorized with Netflix’s “Thirteen Reason’s Why” because both discuss issues that many young adults face. “To The Bone” stars Lily Collins and tells the story of a young girl, Ellen, and how she comes to terms with and battles Anorexia Nervosa.
I believe that movies like “To The Bone” are so very important. Why? Because Eating Disorders affect up to 30 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide. That is not a small number. That’s not a number you can just shrug your shoulders at and act like it doesn’t matter.
A movie may seem like a strange way to battle something that is affecting so many people. However, part of the demographic that is watching Netflix is the demographic that is on the rise for eating disorders. There has been a rise in the incidence of Anorexia in young women ages 15-19 in each decade since 1930.
A Netflix movie is actually a genius way to reach young people. You can have school assemblies about these issues and put up posters in schools all you want, but that isn’t going to grab their attention. What’s going to grab their attention is the latest Netflix movie that everyone is talking about.
I think it’s wrong to keep young adults from watching movies like “To The Bone” and show like “Thirteen Reasons Why”. They need to see the severity of these issues. So many young people are battling demons that can end their life. Every 62 minutes at least one person dies as a direct result of an eating disorder in the United States.
I truly believe “To The Bone” will portray Eating Disorders in an honest way since Lily Collins, the actress playing Ellen in the movie, has suffered from an Eating Disorder herself. She recently opened up about her battle in her debut novel, “Unfiltered”. She states in one of the final chapters that, “like me, my character, Ellen, battles with Eating Disorders, and when I was first considering the role, the thought of stepping back into those shoes made my stomach drop.” (“Unfiltered” 191). She feared the psychological affects of the role stating, “in order to accurately portray the disease and Ellen’s mindset, I’d need to tap back into my old, unhealthy mindset.” (“Unfiltered” 191-192). Lily Collins is an example of someone who fought and overcame an Eating Disorder. She is proof that it is possible.
Real life stories, like Lily Collins’, and even fictional stories, like Ellen’s are what people suffering from Eating Disorders need to hear. They need to see the affects of Eating Disorders and how severe it truly is. They need to see that they can get help in whichever way will best help them.
They don’t need to hear people bashing the portrayal of what they deal with everyday.
I hope everyone will watch “To The Bone” on July 14th with an open mind. I truly hope this movie will make Eating Disorders a less taboo subject and result in more positive and raw conversations about how to help those who are battling Eating Disorders. My hope is that with the help of movies like “To The Bone” and more people like Lily Collins sharing their stories, we can find better ways to help people in their battle and ultimately lower the heartbreaking number of those who are suffering from Eating Disorders. So, let's start the conversation.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an Eating Disorder I encourage you to reach out. I know it sounds cheesy, but there is hope.
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
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