Self Medicated

Based in the colorful and buzzing city of Las Vegas, the 2005 indie drama film Self Medicated is a poignant, autobiographical tale that transgresses the many levels of addiction, emotion, and the human experience of a teenager coming to terms with his rocky pathway to adulthood.

Written, directed by, and starring Monty Lapica, this film offers a not-so-ordinary story of a 17-year-old Andrew Erikson (played by Lapica), who finds himself lost amidst the labyrinth of his rapidly changing life. Andrew, high-strung and self-reliant, claims his life is nothing beyond ordinary but viewers are swiftly made aware of the truth that masks his assertions. Andrew’s path is riddled with pain and struggle, and instead of facing them head on, he chooses to numb himself with drugs and alcohol, effectively self-medicating, as the title implies.

Following the tragic death of his father, the once bright and sports-enthusiast Andrew is left to face the harsh realities of his life with an increasingly detached mother Louise (Diane Venora). Unable to cope with her own sorrow, Louise mentally checks out, further distancing herself from her teenage son who is in desperate need of guidance and emotional support. Andrew's vulnerability and despair due to the emotional absence of his mother and gape of a father figure in his life, nudges him on his journey of frequent run-ins with the law, substance abuse, and self-destruction.

As the story unfolds, decisions are made to "correct" Andrew's self-destructive tendencies, leading him to Journey of Hope, a supposed teen rehabilitation center that notably brings Michael Bowen into play as one of the institution’s strict directors. Bowen's character graph, while controversial, brings forth a disconcertingly real facet of rehabilitation centers and their measures to enforce discipline and recover troubled youth.

Andrew's story takes a dark turn when he is subjected to this ruthlessly severe system in the institution, which further fuels the fire of rebellion within him. Contrary to expectations, Andrew's time in the institution doesn't necessarily calm his tumultuous life, but instead it feeds the rage contained within. This paradox of the supposed safe haven becoming a cyclic nightmare to Andrew’s life creates a tension that captivates the viewer's attention.

Self Medicated is in essence, a soul-stirring tale of resilience and spirit amidst trials and tribulations. The cinematography by Denis Maloney beautifully captures the bleak yet vibrant essence of Las Vegas, complementing the narrative's intensity. The visual journey is further intensified by a moving soundtrack that ties into the emotional vein of the narrative.

Featuring stunning and impactful performances from both Lapica and Venora, the film paints an all-too-real portrait of loss, addiction, desperation, and the undying human spirit to survive. Lapica’s performance leaves you rooting for Andrew's strength and determination, while Venora’s portrayal of a struggling mother caught in her pain and disorders, delivers an equally powerful punch. Michael Bowen’s officer Dan is excellently portrayed; a character one tends to dislike from the get-go for his authoritarian nature, but yet is integral to the overall narrative.

Based on true events from Lapica’s own life, this film undeniably hits close to home. One cannot help but commend the courage it might have taken Lapica to tell such a personal, moving and heartbreaking story, and that too with such candor and skill; pulling triple duty as the writer, director, and lead actor of the film. He manages to touch upon the right chords, evoking empathy and understanding for Andrew's plight without romanticizing the substance abuse or struggles.

In conclusion, Self Medicated is a stark, hard-hitting, and truthful depiction of a teenager's struggle with loss, pain, and addiction, as well as the institutions that claim to help but sometimes lead to a further spiral into the abyss. It serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the never-ending quest for personal freedom. Though it may be a challenging watch due to its heavy undertones, this drama has an essence that lingers with viewers, making it a cinematic journey worth embarking on. One can only hope that it also sparks important conversations surrounding substance abuse and mental health, challenging our perception of these issues.