Butter

Butter is a 2018 British drama film, directed by Jim Loach and written by Lindsay Shenton based on her novel of the same name. The film premiered in the Sundance Film Festival in 2018 and received critical acclaim for its portrayal of anorexia and mental health. The story revolves around Jane (played by Carice van Houten), a middle-aged woman who is struggling with an eating disorder. She is determined to make the evening of her life, and as a result, she splurges on what can only be described as a feast fit for a king. Jane buys a vast array of foods, from succulent meats to decadent desserts, and prepares them with meticulous attention to detail. However, when her date fails to show up, citing sickness as his reason, Jane is left feeling deflated and betrayed. Instead of accepting her disappointment graciously, Jane is propelled into a downward spiral of despair and self-destruction. She sets out to recoup her losses and seek revenge on her date by tracking him down and confronting him. As Jane wanders the streets of London, her emotional fragility comes to the forefront, and her eating disorder takes on a life of its own. The film interweaves flashbacks of her past with the present moment, highlighting the painful memories that have contributed to her anorexic tendencies. Jane's journey takes her to various locations in London, including quaint cafes and bustling markets. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters who try to reach out to her and offer words of comfort. However, their efforts are met with resistance as Jane becomes increasingly withdrawn and isolated. One of Jane's friends, Emily (played by Gemma Jones), reaches out to her and tries to intervene in her downward spiral. Emily is a kind and compassionate person who is genuinely concerned about Jane's well-being. She tries to persuade Jane to seek help, but her efforts are largely in vain as Jane refuses to confront her demons. As Jane grapples with her eating disorder, she begins to reengage with her past and confront the traumas that have contributed to her condition. Through a series of flashbacks, we see Jane as a young girl, surrounded by her loving family. However, we also see the pain and suffering she has endured, from bullying at school to the loss of her mother at a young age. The film's use of flashbacks is a clever device that allows us to understanding Jane's past and the events that have led her to this point. It also highlights the complexities of anorexia, which is not simply a matter of self-control or willpower but a deeply ingrained psychological condition. As Jane navigates the streets of London, she becomes increasingly disheveled and detached from reality. Her eating disorder takes on a life of its own, and she begins to lose touch with her sense of identity and self-worth. Her relationships with those around her begin to deteriorate, and she finds herself isolated and alone. In the film's final act, Jane finally begins to confront her demons and seek help. She checks herself into a mental health facility, where she is met with a mixture of kindness and skepticism. Her treatment is portrayed as a mixture of therapy and medication, and the film highlights the challenging journey that many people must undertake when seeking help for their mental health struggles. The film's ending is a powerful commentary on the complexities of anorexia and the recovery process. While Jane is finally beginning to seek help, she is also aware of the long and difficult journey that lies ahead. The film ends on a somber note, but one that is ultimately hopeful and empowering. Butter is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a story of hope and resilience, and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and recovery.