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The Crowded Room, a biographical drama starring actor Tom Holland, was released on June 9, 2023. Sadly, since its release, the drama has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Based on the true story of Billy Milligan, it tells of a man with multiple personalities who was charged with rape and robbery in the 1970s. Many critics have given the series poor reviews, with The Crowded Room sitting at 48% on Metacritic and a paltry 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, mental health advocates and individuals with lived experience of dissociative identity disorder (DID) have criticized the film for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the condition and its sufferers. But is The Crowded Room really as bad as the film’s multiple reviews claim? The answer is yes, and here is why.
Problematic Representation
One of the reasons The Crowded Room has garnered so much criticism is that it perpetuates the harmful stereotype of DID being a violent and dangerous condition. However, health professionals and advocates have debunked this stereotype. They stress that individuals with DID are more likely to experience symptoms like amnesia and depersonalization than they are to commit violent acts. The portrayal of Milligan’s violent alter ego in the film has also been called into question. This is because it reinforces the idea that individuals with DID are inherently violent and out of control.
The Crowded Room Lacks Authenticity
Another criticism of The Crowded Room is the lack of authenticity in the way the film portrays DID. Mental health advocates have argued that DID is a complex and misunderstood condition. As such, the film fails to give an accurate representation of what it’s really like to live with dissociation. For example, there is concern about the film’s portrayal of Milligan’s alter egos as fully-formed personalities. Many believe portraying them as distinct memories and characteristics is a romanticized portrayal of DID. Overall, it doesn’t accurately reflect the way the condition presents itself in real life.
Poor Directing
Another point of contention is the film’s direction. James Anderson is renowned for his visual style and ability to create immersive cinematic experiences. However, some feel that his approach fell short with The Crowded Room series. The pacing was uneven, and key moments lacked the necessary impact. This eventually resulted in a narrative that failed to resonate with viewers on an emotional level. Also, many viewers find the dialogue to be clichéd and lacking depth, with characters uttering lines that feel unnatural. The emotional depth necessary to navigate the complexities of DID seemed absent, as mentioned. As a result, it left the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and their struggles.
The Crowded Room‘s poor reception highlights the important role that storytellers have in shaping public perception of mental health. As advocates continue to call for more accurate and sensitive portrayals of mental health in the media, it’s likely that there will be a shift towards more inclusive and authentic representation in the years to come. Meanwhile, while the debate about the show’s reception continues, people wonder if it is why its main star, Holland took a break from Hollywood. Whatever the case, one hopes the actor’s next project after his return will have a better reception.
