“Group” is a film that stands out for its authentic portrayal of the complexities of mental health within a community of recovering addicts. Directed by William R.A. Rush, the film delves deep into the lives of individuals attending a support group, offering a nuanced exploration of their struggles and the dynamics of addiction recovery.
One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It features LGBTQIA+ characters portrayed by actors from the same community, and the crew is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This dedication not only enriches the narrative but also amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities, creating a more inclusive cinematic experience.
The film’s strength lies in its theatrical setting, which intensifies the characters’ emotions and reactions, making the audience feel the strings of pain and hope that the characters experience. The cast’s courageous performances enable a very ambitious exploration of a variety of lives and moods.“Group” is not just a film; it’s a reflection on the importance of truth in our daily interactions. It emphasizes how the words we say can be real weapons, to be used with caution. The pacing of the film, especially towards the finale, leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, highlighting the critical role of honesty in the healing process.
In summary, “Group” is a powerful and socially conscious film that skillfully portrays the intricacies of mental health and addiction. It’s a film that resonates with despair and hope, urging viewers to reflect on the impact of their words and the significance of truth in the journey towards recovery.
Director Statement
The film sensitively and realistically addresses mental health, and various issues related to mental health treatment and causes such as addiction, violence, trauma, depression, prescription drug dependence, post-partem issues as well as other social issues related to the mental health crisis. An expert in the area of group therapy consulted throughout the writing and filming processes for accuracy and sensitivity purposes.
Our mission is diversity and representation in film, both in front of and behind the camera. This includes women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, differently-abled people and people for whom English is a second language.
There are several LGBTQIA+ characters in the film, each of whom was portrayed by an LGBTQIA+ actor. Our crew is diverse in terms of sexuality and gender. Our top producer, editor, two associate producers, one of our intimacy coordinators, one of our fight coordinators, and several other individuals are women. Our casting director is a person of color and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Further, our script supervisor is a trans man in addition to being wheelchair-bound. Our sets are always chosen for their accessibility so that no one is ever excluded from working on our films due to their background or physical limitations. The voices of traditionally-underrepresented people is essential to our filmmaking philosophy and our overall mission in film.
–William R.A. Rush
Writer and Director