Next to Normal

Diana Goodman, a suburban mom, comes to terms with her bipolar disorder and the effect her struggle has on her family. It is a gripping and honest portrayal of how one suburban family grapples with mental illness touching on issues such as grieving, suicide, drug abuse and ethics in modern psychiatry. This contemporary musical deals tenderly with how far two parents will go to keep their family’s world intact.

Directed by Rob Ruggiero, Next to Normal leans on a strong ensemble — Christiane Noll, John Cardoza, David Harris — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2020.