Get ready to be blown away by a true-life story of survival and resilience! “Brain on Fire” is a Netflix original film that has been making waves among audiences and critics alike, and for good reason. Based on the memoir of the same name by Susannah Cahalan, this gripping drama tells the harrowing tale of a young woman who wakes up one day to find herself in the midst of a mysterious and terrifying descent into madness.
As the story unfolds, we follow Susannah, a bright and ambitious journalist, as she struggles to come to terms with the strange and terrifying symptoms that are slowly taking over her life. With a growing sense of paranoia and confusion, she becomes convinced that there is a sinister force at work, threatening to destroy everything she holds dear.
But what’s remarkable about “Brain on Fire” is not just the thrilling narrative, but the remarkable true story behind it. Susannah’s memoir, on which the film is based, is a powerful account of her own battle with
Getting Started with Brain on Fire
Basic Details: Runtime, Director, Rating
Runtime: 1:28
Director: Gerard Barret
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, brief language and partial nudity
What’s the movie about?
The movie recounts a New York Post journalist’s battle with multiple illnesses in the hope of finding a diagnosis and potentially a cure. She’s stricken with seizures, psychosis and memory loss.
Is Brain on Fire Based on a True Story?
The Real-Life Inspiration
The series is based on a real journalist called Susannah Cahalan. As the end of the movie states, Susannah was the 217th person to be diagnosed with Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis and thousands have since been diagnosed.
The Disease and Diagnosis
Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis and its impact on those affected
Her research indicated that in 2009 most people with the disease were either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Cahalan was fortunate to be correctly diagnosed because, according to Najjar’s estimates, only 10 percent of people with the disease were properly diagnosed at that time.
Since then, a better understanding of the disease and its symptoms has resulted in more frequent diagnosis and treatment.
Reviews and Reception
Critic Reviews
Peter Debruge from Variety was perhaps the harshest saying: “It’s the sort of role for which the Razzies were invented, and what little audience it finds will almost certainly be heckling as they watch Moretz implode.”
Audience Reaction
We’ve included an interview where she appeared on British TV to speak about her illness.
Why It Took So Long to Release
The movie has been panned by critics. If you wonder why it took so long for this movie to release, you probably now have the answer.
The Cast and Soundtrack
Full Cast List
Despite the bad reviews, the movie still had a fantastic cast including a Netflix regular who appears in the Marvel Netflix series Iron Fist.
- Actor: Chloë Grace Moretz
- Known For: Let Me In, Carrie, The 5th Wave
- Thomas Mann: Stephen Grywalski
- Project X, Kong Skull Island
- Richard Armitage: Tom Cahalan
- The Hobbit
- Carrie-Anne Moss: Rhona Nack
- The Matrix, Iron Fist
- Jenny Slate: Margo
- Zootropolis, Parks and Recreation
- Tyler Perry: Richard
- Gone Girl, Diaries of A Mad Black Woman
- Alex Zahara: Allen
- Open Range
Soundtrack
As you’d expect from this movie, the soundtrack contains quite sombre tunes but it was mostly from the movie’s composer rather than a soundtrack.
In fact, the only song appeared in the credits.
Song: “The Morgues” by Kirsten Dunst
After You Watch
What to Expect
A summary of the movie’s themes and content
Real-Life Implications
The impact of the movie on those who have lived with anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis
Practical Aspects
How to access the movie outside of Netflix
Brain on Fire won’t be appearing on any other streaming channels but the movie is already available on DVD, Bluray and video on demand services.
Conclusion
As we delve into the world of “Brain on Fire: The Inquiry” on Netflix, we’ve uncovered a gripping true story that has left audiences in awe. From the cast of talented actors who brought the real-life characters to life, to the haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s emotional journey, every aspect of this biographical drama is a testament to the power of human resilience.
We’ve explored the remarkable true story of Susannah Cahalan, a young journalist who suffered from a mysterious and debilitating illness that left her brain on fire. We’ve seen the talented cast, including Chloë Grace Moretz and Jenny Slate, bring this incredible story to life. And we’ve delved into the reviews and reactions of audiences and critics alike, who have praised the film’s thought-provoking and emotional portrayal of Susannah’s journey.
As we conclude this article, it’s clear that “Brain on Fire” is more than just a film – it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of