Non-Spoiler Synopsis: Enid is an overworked film censor dealing with societal pushback on violent horror films and the perceived impact on the public while also grieving her sister, who has been missing since they were children.
Trigger Warnings: Violence, violence against women, SA, attempted SA, gore, mental health
Where to watch: Hulu
Ratings (out of 5) 😱😱😱😱
Worth the Watch? This is definitely worth the watch. I love a movie that delves into mental health and grief while exposing societal issues. This movie does it all!
"Censor" was written and directed by Prano Bailey Bond and co-written by Anthony Fletcher. The movie is an unsettling slow burn. The film mixes reality, the films she watches, dreams, and flashbacks. The film creatively moves in and out of the television screens, showcasing dynamic and innovative shots. In the film, we follow Enid, a movie censor dealing with her sister's disappearance when they were children. The movie pulls you in. You want to know what happened to Nina, Enid's sister, all while feeling like you're in a dream.
**Spoilers ahead-read with caution**
"Censor" explores themes of censorship, the impacts of media on mental health, the impact of work on mental health, and unresolved grief due to ambiguous loss.
The theme of censorship brews throughout the film. From a man killing his family and blaming a horror movie that, in the end, it turns out he didn't watch. In the background is the public's outcry and demand for accountability, mainly from the censors, who are assumed to be looking out for the greater good. Enid takes this responsibility to heart, feeling that her job is to protect the people; guilt from losing her sister still impacts her. She couldn't protect her sister when they were younger, so she will protect her now. Censorship is a touchy topic. Whose responsibility is it to censor our content? Ours? The government? I pose these questions without answers, understanding the tangled web of complexity and nuance.
Mental health and grief are two topics I am passionate about. We bear witness to the delicateness of Enid's mental health and its unraveling. Grief and guilt over her sister pull at the loose threads, demanding to be unraveled. Enid becomes consumed with the need to remember what happened to her sister. When she watches a film featuring an actress who might be her grown-up sister, she becomes obsessed with finding both the actress and the filmmaker.
Ambiguous loss, as defined by Boss, refers to an unclear and traumatic loss that occurs when a loved one is either physically present but mentally absent or physically absent but mentally present.1
Enid's guilt over not remembering what happened and not protecting her sister further complicates her grief.
Enid's grip on reality begins to slide, and she can no longer tell the difference between delusion and reality. Our mental health is precious, and when we struggle, we can feel like we are losing our sense of reality and, more often than not, our ability to function in society.
**end spoilers**
Dive deeper
Enid's grip on reality begins to slide, and she can no longer tell the difference between delusion and reality. Our mental health is precious, and when we struggle, we can feel like we are losing our sense of reality and, more often than not, our ability to function in society.
Self Care
Self-care is vital to our mental health. I provide this to people I work with. Feel free to build off this and make it your own.
Part of self-care is regulating your nervous system; when our nervous system is regulated, we feel safe and secure in the world.
Dealing with ambiguous loss.
Engaging in various strategies is crucial in the face of ambiguous loss. These include active participation in family and community rituals, celebrations, storytelling, and reminiscing. Seeking spiritual and optimistic perspectives can offer solace while cultivating a capacity to tolerate uncertainty becomes essential2. Additionally, reconstructing individual identities, roles, and functions without the presence of the missing person is a vital aspect of coping3.
Need Support?
Find a therapist:
Therapy Den: “TherapyDen believes in inclusivity and representation at every level. We want everyone to be able to find the care that they need with a therapist that is a good fit and we want every therapist to find the clients they are perfectly suited to treat.”
Inclusive Therapists: “ Inclusive Therapists is a social justice and liberation-oriented mental health directory, community, and resource hub. We offer a safer, simpler way to find a therapist, counselor or coach committed to Racial, 2SLGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, and Disability Justice. We center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Queer, Trans, Nonbinary, Intersex, ACE+ intersections (QTBIPOC). We amplify the voices and expressions of Neurodivergent and Disabled Communities of Color. We are a mental health liberation movement creating change through decolonial education, collective care, and activism. Celebrating marginalized identities, abilities, and bodies!”
Open Path Collective (low-cost therapy): “Open Path provides people in need with access to transformative and affordable mental health care. We envision a just, compassionate world where all people can easily access the care they need to thrive.”
If you are feeling suicidal/homicidal:
Twloha- “To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery.”
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline- “The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.”
The Trevor Project- “To end suicide among LGBTQ youth. For more than 23 years, The Trevor Project has worked to save young lives through our 24/7, free, and confidential crisis intervention services, TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat.”
Crisis Text Line- “At the intersection of empathy and innovation — we promote mental well-being for people wherever they are.”
Go to your nearest hospital, urgent care, or mental health walk-in clinic or call 911
Final Screams and Thoughts
"Censor" is a movie that delves into the impact of mental health affected by society, work, and grief. It is worth watching as it seamlessly blends reality and fantasy, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film masterfully explores the psychological depths of Enid, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the influence of external pressures and grief. With its haunting visuals and compelling narrative, "Censor" is a captivating and unsettling experience.
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Want more?
Horror movies that move in and out of reality: Lovely Dark and Deep, Hellraiser, the Nightmare on Elm St films, Color Out of Space
Horror movies with mental health themes: The Joker, Daniel Isn’t Real, and Perfect Blue; for my full list, click here.
New movie review on Wednesdays
Coming Soon:
Horror Movie Mental Health First Aid Kit
Navigating your Nervous System with Horror Movies
Man Vs. Bear
Beyond the Grave: Grief in Horror Movies
What is Trauma
Is there a movie you’d love to discuss or want me to review, please comment.
Thoughts? Have you watched any of these movies? Movies you’d like me to review? Love to hear what your thoughts!
Disclaimer: The resources and information provided in this article are intended to offer support, guidance, and information to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being. However, it is essential to recognize that the information provided is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. While the materials included may offer valuable strategies and insights, they are not tailored to individual circumstances, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Mental health is a complex and deeply personal matter, and seeking the guidance of a qualified mental health professional is highly recommended for personalized assessment and treatment. By accessing and using the resources provided in this article, you acknowledge and understand that they are not a substitute for professional mental health services. The creators of this article are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in your journey toward well-being.
Boss, P. G. (2002). Ambiguous loss: Working with families of the missing. Family Process, 41(1), 14–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1545-5300.2002.40102000014.x )
Same as 1
Same as 1