“A feel-good film about depression” isn’t the easiest of sales pitches, but it’s an apt description of Good Girl.

It’s bleak subject material, not least in depicting Solveig’s treatment by electroshock therapy, with jerky edits and blurry shots capturing her breakdown in a way that words cannot. Even at her lowest she keeps filming, with her own dark sense of humour – and some surreal dream sequences – helping to alleviate the tone.

Most importantly, there’s no attempt to present a miracle cure or moment of epiphany. Depression is a complex beast; one cannot defeat it, but it can be tamed.

Good Girl is essential viewing for anyone who wants to learn about the reality of living with depression; this film will hopefully encourage real discussion of mental health issues.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

DIRECTOR: Solveig Melkeraaen

SYNOPSIS: An acclaimed filmmaker from a young age, Solveig Melkeraaen is used to being in control of her life in Norway. When she is felled by a serious depression, which sees her undergoing electroshock therapy treatment in a psychiatric institution, she turns the camera on herself, in an attempt to take back control.

Sheffield Doc/Fest 2015 runs from June 5th-10th. Tickets are still available, and One Room With A View’s coverage will continue throughout the festival. 

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Phil is a copywriter from Sheffield with an unhealthy addiction to Lotus Biscoff cookies and Henderson's Relish (though not at the same time, that would be weird). When he's not writing, he spends his time fruitlessly trying to convince people that The World's End is the best movie in Edgar Wright's 'Cornetto Trilogy'.