Cherry

Cherry, directed by the Russo brothers, tells the poignant and intense story of Nico Walker, a complex and vulnerable individual whose life is marked by turmoil and struggles with mental health. The film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by the real-life Nico Walker. The movie begins with Cherry, played by Tom Holland, as a seemingly well-adjusted college student, studying at Ohio State University. However, it's soon revealed that he's actually a floundering individual, struggling to find his place in the world and defined only by his relationship with his true love, Emily, played by Emile Hirsch. Emily, a quiet and introspective individual, is Cherry's emotional anchor, and their relationship is a delicate balance of push and pull. When the call of duty reaches Cherry, he enlists in the army, despite Emily's concerns, and ships out to Iraq as a medic. On the battlefield, Cherry witnesses firsthand the horrific consequences of war, including the death and destruction that accompany it. His experiences take a toll on his mental health, and upon his return home, he's diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma of war and the transition back to civilian life take a devastating toll on Cherry. He struggles to connect with his loved ones, including Emily, and feels increasingly disconnected from the world around him. Desperate to cling onto the sense of purpose and control he felt during his time in the military, Cherry begins to descend into a cycle of addiction and crime. As Cherry's behavior becomes more erratic, Emily becomes increasingly concerned for his well-being, but he pushes her away, unable to confront his own demons. The tension in their relationship builds, and Emily begins to flee from the toxic dynamics that have consumed their relationship. Cherry's involvement in a world of crime and addiction takes him down a dark path, marked by a series of poor life choices. His actions become increasingly reckless, which ultimately leads to a series of devastating consequences that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Thomas Batuello, a supporting character and Cherry's childhood friend, serves as a contrast to Cherry's downward spiral. Batuello is a stand-up individual who has managed to find a sense of stability and success in his life. He tries to help Cherry, but the latter's entrenched problems render his efforts ineffective. Throughout the movie, the cinematography captures the bleakness and desolation that pervades Cherry's world. The industrial landscape of Cleveland, where much of the film takes place, is harsh and unforgiving, much like Cherry's mental state. The cinematography also brings to the forefront the sense of loneliness that defines Cherry's existence. Cherry's confrontation with reality, in the form of a raid by the police, marks a turning point in his story. The raid serves as a harsh wake-up call for Cherry, one that forces him to confront the consequences of his actions. In the aftermath, Cherry is taken into custody, marking the beginning of his journey towards rehabilitation and redemption. In a stunning twist, it's revealed that Cherry was the author of the novel "Cherry" and that his life was the very subject of the story. This narrative twist serves as a poignant reminder that life and literature are intertwined, and that the boundaries between reality and fiction are often blurred. Ultimately, Cherry is a haunting exploration of the human condition, marked by themes of trauma, addiction, and the struggles of mental health. Through Cherry's journey, the film sheds light on the complexities of the human experience and the importance of empathy and understanding.