blakelockett45 Review of Touched with Fire

Touched with Fire (2015)

A thoughtful look at bi-polar and creativity

[6/10 · 12 June 2016]

Katie Holmes plays a manic depressive poet named Carla who meets Marco, played by Luke Kirby, in a psychiatric hospital. Both suffering from Bipolar disorder they find a connection in poetry and alien conspiracy in their manic states. At it's center the film looks at the relationship between mania and creativity and the pros and cons of the mental illness, bipolar disorder. The strength of the film lay in it's characters and direction. Writer/director Paul Dalio creates two characters who are relatable in their humanity, even if you don't suffer from mental illness. Luke Kirby's performance is solid as well as supporting actors Christine Lahti and Griffin Dunne. Unfortunately, some faults lay in star Katie Holmes, as much as she seems to be really trying, she comes across as a little unbelievable at moments although she does perform passably. The pace is a little crooked at times but the on screen dynamic between the two stars really pulls the viewer in and lets us understand the way they see the world. six and a half stars.