Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Zac Galifianakis, Zoe Kravitz, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan

Directed By: Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a beautiful love story, a different one, something we have not seen before atleast.

Craig (Keir Gilchrist) is a depressed 16 year old teen who has himself checked into Argenon Hospital due to the pressures of being a teen, which include getting into a top college, having a girlfriend. A psychiatrist finds him normal, but Craig is adamant to get treatment as he has suicidal tendencies. Due to renovations in the youth ward, he finds himself admitted to the adult ward with patients battling various ailments from schizophrenia, mental cases and other situational disorders. Allotted a room with an elderly Egyptian roommate, Craig gets scared and tries to leave the centre, but the adult ward’s staff psychiatrist informs him that a minimum of five days stay is required for treatment, and that once admitted he cannot leave. His parents mother (Lauren Graham) and  father (Jim Gaffigan) who's too busy working to pay attention to their son, encourage him to take on the treatment.

One of the patients, Bobby (Zac Galifianakis) befriends Craig. But in the co – ed ward, Craig’s attention is on the attractive Noelle (Emma Roberts). Craig now has Bobby and Noelle as good friends. Bobby learns about Craig’s problems and instills him lessons in life, love, and the pressures of growing up. With time he finds that he is infact in a much better mental condition than the others. Despite being attracted to Noelle, Craig’s heart is on Nia (Zoe Kravtiz), who is in love with his best friend. Nia suddenly showers her love on Craig and meets him at the hospital. Craig gets caught up in a love triangle. Bobby comes to the rescue and so do the other inmates.

Adapted from Ned Vizzini’s 2006 novel of the same title, the movie is a great watch for teens and though there aren’t any big names in the cast, it’s the story that’s interesting and holds on to you.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira