Boy Interrupted

Boy Interrupted tells the story of Evan Perry, a 15-year-old boy from New York who took his own life in 2005. The film, created by Evan’s parents Dana and Hart Perry, chronicles Evan’s struggle with bipolar disorder and depression from an early age.

The documentary provides an intimate look into Evan’s life through a wealth of home videos, photographs, and interviews with family members, friends, and medical professionals. It traces Evan’s journey from birth to his untimely death, offering a unique perspective on childhood mental illness.

Evan’s battle with mental health began at a young age, with his first diagnosis of depression coming at just five years old. He was initially prescribed Prozac, but his diagnosis was later changed to bipolar disorder, leading to treatment with mood stabilizers. The film showcases Evan’s complex personality, depicting both his creative side as a budding filmmaker and his darker moments of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The documentary also sheds light on the family’s efforts to help Evan, including hospitalizations and specialized treatment at facilities like Wellspring. It highlights the challenges faced by Evan’s parents and siblings as they navigated his condition, as well as the impact of family history, with Evan’s paternal uncle having also died by suicide at a young age.

Through interviews with Evan’s psychiatrist, schoolmates, and family members, the film provides multiple perspectives on Evan’s life and struggles. It raises important questions about the nature of bipolar disorder in children, the effectiveness of various treatments, and the devastating impact of mental illness on families.