You are here:

My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It)

My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It)

Representation Score

8.2/10

Excellent

2014

TV-14

Director

Robert Marianetti, David Wachtenheim, Elizabeth Swados

Runtime

30 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels in its nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence, using animation to translate the internal landscape of depression into a sophisticated visual experience. It avoids the pitfalls of typical disability narratives by focusing on authenticity rather than a triumphant arc. However, the film's scope is narrow. While it offers deep psychological insight, it lacks demographic breadth, offering little in the way of racial or sexual orientation diversity. The focus remains strictly on the individual's internal struggle. Ultimately, the work succeeds as a subversion of traditional psychological narratives. It trades broad social representation for a deep, identity-driven exploration of the human condition and the complexities of mental wellness.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It) have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ romantic pairings. However, it explores a fluid and fragmented sense of self, which aligns with theories about identity instability.

How does My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It) portray gender?

Good

The female protagonist drives the narrative through psychological complexity, playing a significant role in driving the story. The film challenges the traditional feminine cliché by avoiding a stable, performing female lead.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It)?

Fair

The narrative centers on a singular, individualized psychological journey. There is insufficient evidence of a multi-ethnic ensemble to suggest significant characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

How does My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It) represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes personal experience over institutional or religious frameworks. It treats depression as a valid state of being rather than a moral failing to be corrected.

Does My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It) include disability representation?

Excellent

This is a standout depiction of an invisible disability. It avoids 'inspiration porn' by treating the neurodivergent experience as a central, driving force rather than a hurdle.

Present on Screen

  • Provides a sophisticated, non-clichéd portrayal of invisible disability and neurodivergence.
  • Subverts traditional gender clichés by centering a complex, vulnerable female psyche.
  • Emphasizes personal experience over institutional morality.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks diverse racial and ethnic representation within the narrative.
  • Provides no explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or romantic pairings.

Official Synopsis

Based on Elizabeth Swados’ picture book of the same name, this animated short film charts one woman's struggle with depression.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.