We encounter Cooper (Daniel Dorr) prior to the opening credits rolling. Is he a murderer of his fiancé Emily (Hope Lauren)? We are in high suspense throughout the movie waiting for confirmation Cooper sliced up Emily and for what reason.
Cooper has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) some labeling his OCD as Pure O. Pure O, according to OCD UK is a variety of OCD subject to standard OCD treatment. Pure O includes seeking constant assurances from loved ones, avoidance of particular objects, places and people that trigger obsessive thoughts. Cooper is referred to a self-help group of sufferers of OCD. OCD is not simply repetition of behaviour like washing hands or picking the face but can include compulsive thoughts such as pedophilia, starting fires, terminal illness, suicide, rituals and hit and run OCD. Through participants in Cooper’s self help group we are educated as to some of the various forms of OCD and how it effects sufferers, their families and the community.
Nice to know but at times the first half of the film strikes one as an educational video for psychiatry students almost like a documentary with actors.
Matters become more dramatic in the second half of the film with some heart wrenching and emotional moments including terminal illness, death, abortion and substance abuse.
Cooper works as a rehab counsellor in Malibu and one is tempted to draw similarities between substance abuse and OCD. Not to simplify matters but is addiction a physical damaging OCD?
That knife to the throat scene is almost unbearable to watch! Shiver me timbers!
If you want to learn more about OCD particularly if you think you or family or friend has it you’ll want to watch this film otherwise it is an interesting but not compelling watch.
I suppose writer and director Dillon Tucker somewhat accurately sums up the film by saying, “’Pure O is a semi-autobiographical account of my life around the time I was diagnosed with OCD while working as a counselor at a drug and alcohol rehab. It is a true ensemble piece that shows how mental health affects not only the sufferer, but also the loved ones who surround them. This film is a story about the power of human connection and how vulnerability is the greatest form of courage.”
There will be a digital release of the film on 12April2024 in Canada, United States and the United Kingdom.
You can watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOAT_IT8K6M&t=2s
RKS 2024 Film Rating 69/100.
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