Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Pure O’

4/15/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Daniel Dorr and Hope Lauren as Cooper and Emily in Dillon Tucker’s PURE O. (Photo Courtesy of Good Deed Entertainment.)

It really is quite unfortunate how society views mental health, mental health issues and their respective treatments in this modern age. Because we live in a time where people are indeed ready to talk about the tough and lingering problems and concerns, that prior generations made efforts to bury and abandon out of the belief, they would fix themselves. But alas, despite being in an era this open-minded, and where there is new information coming out about mental health, and despite new treatments being developed to help those who wish to maintain or heal their mental health… we are still deathly afraid to point out that the mind isn’t always at its best, and that sometimes we need help in healing our ailing brains and in balancing its chemicals.

In fact, this topic is so taboo, that even the creative world, a place that is a pioneer in discussing the topics that no one else wants to, tends to either shy away from exploring the truths about mental health in the twenty-first century, or offers up something that is glossy and inspirational regarding such matters. But thankfully it would seem, we are reaching a paradigm shift when it comes to the silence surrounding such important matters, and we have a bold new motion picture from an equally as bold creative individual to thank for that. For writer/director Dillon Tucker has opted to craft a story that shatters taboo and offers a comprehensive and powerful look at mental health and mental health struggles in Pure O.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a man named Cooper who seems to be living quite the life. After all, he works a great job as a rehab counselor, giving him a chance to do good in the world. Not to mention, he has a loving fiancé named Emily; he has dreams to hit it big in Hollywood. So, life just seems to be coming up roses for Cooper. That is, save for the fact that Cooper is deeply scared. Because he’s having wild, violent thoughts, about imparting harm upon his beloved and in talking to a therapist about these thoughts, he is diagnosed with a form of OCD known as Pure Obsessional. Which will be difficult to treat and overcome. Because of the stigmas that exist and because of challenges that further shatter his idyllic life, prompting him to ponder deeply upon what he will really need… to get his mental health in order.

Which at first glance, appears to be more in line with the uplifting stuff we normally see from stories in this vein. Since there’s a setup there for Cooper to go on a brave and inspiring journey. But that is by design, to make us comfortable so that Dillon, can plunge us into the heart of one powerful story. One that deeply examines the nature of OCD and Pure Obsessional and how they are treated. Which gives rise to some stunning moments for certain. The kind that showcases how mental health issues are a real battle and require real work, and in the case of Pure Obsessional, can feature some scary and uncomfortable moments for those suffering through it. Since this film holds nothing back regarding the ideation that comes from this affliction, and truly… this gives us a shocking… but welcome perspective. Because this is the kind of stuff that starts a conversation and truly helps people to understand the realities of such matters.

But while that makes it seem as though this film is deeply mired in heavy moments, make no mistake about it… this is a movie designed to educate, spark talks, and walk us through… how we heal. Because that’s what anyone in Cooper’s shoes wants, to feel better, to be better and to walk away stronger, and that aspect of the film, leads to some uplifting moments. Wherein it becomes clear that to conquer these moments, we must be willing to put in the work, and dedicate ourselves to healing. Not to mention, this film reminds us that we need a support network, of people who do care, who are willing to stand by us in those dark hours where it seems hopeless. Which is perhaps the most poignant aspect of this film. For the mantra surrounding mental health issues is that the fight against them must be done alone, and through sheer will. But it takes a village to help folks through that, to help anyone through dark times really, and to help them cope with the changes that come about when the dust settles.

For lives change when this kind of healing takes place, and well… all of these messages and explorations make for one revolutionary motion picture. One that truly showcases this taboo topic in an open and frank (and long overdue) manner, and this motion picture deserves a standing ovation for finally being the story to ‘go there’, and for also providing us… with a great story period. One that offers up some great performances since Daniel Dorr (Cooper) and Hope Lauren (Emily) truly sell the realism present here and move us often with their ability to translate the emotions one would feel in the midst of healing. Plus, this film has plenty to teach folks who might not be able to relate to the subject matter at hand, since it also explores the ups and downs of life and how we are never ready for the tough stuff it sends our way. All of which makes… for a powerful and perfect feature that will stay with you long after its ended. Courtesy of its intelligence, and its bravery.

Watch ‘Pure O’

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