Turtles All the Way Down

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Turtles All the Way Down

Author: John Green and screenplay writers Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker

Director: Hannah Marks

Production Company: Temple Hill Entertainment and New Line Cinema

Release Date: May 2024

Streaming Platform: Max

Format: Movie

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/ Romance/ Drama/ Mystery/ Neurotransmittal Atypicality

Awards: None...yet

Rating: PG-13 (IMDb)

Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes

Plot Summary:

Aza knows all about bacteria, she feels like it defines her, like it defines the world, but Aza's aware thats just her OCD talking. One day her old friend Davis's billionaire dad goes missing and there is a $100,000 reward attached to the mystery. Daisy, Aza's best friend, is determined that her and Aza solve the disappearance and walk into the sunset with the prize money and maybe also with some cute boys in tow. While, Aza does everything she can to make her family and friends happy, she can't stop spiraling and her mind seems to be closing in on her.

Author Background:

John Green is the original author of this novel. He is a prominent YA author and makes youtube videos directed for teens about learning in a fun way. John Green is open about his experiences with having obsessive compulsion disorder. Some of John Green's other novels that have been turned into movie adaptations are Paper Towns, The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Let it Snow.

Hannah Marks is the director of the movie Turtles All the Way Down. She is an actress, writer, and director and is know for her work in After Everything.

Critical Evaluation:

Once again a John Green movie hits you right in the feelings! These movies establish a sense of connection to the world and to humanity itself even when the characters often feel so alone. Production of this film was delayed due to the pandemic which lent for the cast to build more chemistry. (Riley, 2024). The chemistry amongst the cast was something that really stood out to me, the friendships felt sincere and added to the storyline. Daisy is just a hoot! I appreciate that this movie emphasized the different relationships Aza had with each character and how they were unique from each other such as her mom, best friend Daisy, her therapist, and Davis. This movie was so special, I was biting my nails and recalling times I too felt like I spiraled. The only thing that seemed unfinished was the background issue and resolution of Davis's dad being missing, as if it was an after thought for being such a major part of the beginning of the film. This movie is essential to understanding human experience, teaches about the importance of mental health and love, and creates visibility for Neurotransmittal Atypicality (See Chaos Theory).

Creative Use for Library Program:

Applebee's Fundraiser- TAG (teen advisory group) assists in organizing and advertising an Applebee's fundraiser in the library and community, the money raised goes to organizations/foundations which provides mental health resources for teens.

Nesting Doll Painting- Movie watching party with a craft. Teens paint their own nesting dolls by having each doll represent an aspect about them that doesn't define them or a version of themselves they show other people, the smallest nesting doll represents who they believe their true self is or something they value most about themselves.

Speed-Round Trailer:

Aza can't get away from the bacteria that surrounds and makes up who she is. When she reconnects with an old friend she tries to act like a "normal" person. But when kisses, friends, and old wounds keep opening, Aza can't seem to find the bottom. Maybe its just turtles all the way down.

Potential Challenges and Defense Preparation:

Some viewers may challenge the way that OCD is represented in this film and in the story. This story is written by John Green who has spoken about how this novel was written based on some of his version of obsessive compulsion disorder. It would be unfair to challenge experiences of this author because they are his own (Gross, 2024).

Many of John Greens works have been banned and Turtles All the Way Down is no exception. This movie is rated PG-13 for strong language, sexual references, and mental illness. (IMDb, n.d.). Based on the movie adaptation I find it hard for someone to claim that it is obscene. Why are we sheltering people from real life experiences? It only separates us from one another.

Reason for Inclusion:

John Green novels meant everything to me as a teen! John Green was one of the only authors at the time who I thought understood me, my friends, and the gravity of the things we were going through. Because John Green is such a trail blazer for young adult literature and film, how could he not be included in this teeny tiny teen library. Plus teens love the Greens, they are so nerdy but in the coolest way, they make learning fun, and advocate for mental health. This movie may help teens understand what they are feeling, help them find professional help, or even tell a loved one they are struggling with something. I believe that OCD is often misunderstood and this movie is such a gift to educate those unaware of what people can struggle with.

Check Out:

References:

Green, J. (n.d.). Turtles All the way Downs. John Green Books. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.johngreenbooks.com/turtles-all-the-way-down-movie

Gross, T. (2024). Novelist John Green says OCD is like an 'invasive weed' inside his mind. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/04/26/1247170311/novelist-john-green-says-ocd-is-like-an-invasive-weed-inside-his-mind

IMDb. (n.d.). Turtles All the Way Down. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7737224/

Max. (2024, May). John Green & The Turtles All The Way Down Cast Q&A While Painting. [Video.]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ch_nnS1gp_c?feature=shared

Max. (2024, April). Turtles All the Way Down Official Trailer. https://youtu.be/9XBFNmV0Bzc?feature=shared

Payne, J. (2024, February). See all the stars attending SCAD TVfest 2024. [Photo]. Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/scad-tvfest-2024-portraits-8574942

Riley, J. (2024, May). Hannah Marks on the Long Journey To Bring John Green’s ‘Turtles All the Way Down’ To the Screen. Variety. https://variety.com/2024/film/features/hannah-marks-turtles-all-the-way-down-1235990768/