Aza's therapist considers several forms of therapy after Aza admits to opening her callus again. Aza confesses to taking her medication sporadically but won't consider Exposure Response Therapy for her Contamination OCD. Aza eats lunch with her best friend, Daisy, at school but runs out of the cafeteria because she thinks her stomach is too loud. She fears she got C. diff. Aza furiously washes her hands, removes her band-aid, opens her callus, and puts soap into the wound. Her thoughts ease. Daisy finds Aza in the bathroom and questions if Aza has had a thought spiral. Aza nods yes, and Daisy plans to meet Aza after school at the most posh restaurant in town: Applebee's.
As they eat their burgers, Aza and Daisy overhear a news report about Russell Davis Pickett. Russell is a fugitive billionaire with several white-collar crimes to his name. Russell went on the run when the police's investigation started closing in on him. He left his two sons, Davis and Noah, behind. The police issued a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Daisy remembers that Aza met Davis at a camp for children coping with loss. Daisy heard Davis was in town and thinks Aza should use her connections to spark a conversation with him. Aza says no but remembers Davis got a web camera for his 13th birthday. They put it in a tree on his property. Daisy wants to sync to it and examine the photos for evidence. Daisy convinces Aza to help because Aza needs money to go to Northwestern. And $50,000 could go a long way.
Aza and Daisy find the camera and sync with it. However, a groundskeeper discovers them and brings them to the Pickett's home. Davis remembers Aza, and Daisy observes he's smitten. Aza and Davis exchange numbers before she leaves. Daisy wants Aza to keep up the conversation with Davis. They can return to the belly of the beast, investigate Russell's disappearance, and receive the reward money. However, Aza worries about becoming close to Davis and potentially having his microbiome inside her. Can Daisy and Aza find Russell without Aza spiraling?
Based on the novel Turtles All The Way Down by John Green, this adaptation draws you into Aza's spiral while keeping her human (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The script doesn't depict Aza as all-knowing or perfect. She has flaws, and her OCD impacts everyone around her. Also, seeing Aza spiral connects viewers to her thought process and fears. Later, Daisy's fan fiction feels harsh. But when Daisy questions Aza about her personal life, Aza flounders. It's a complex and necessary conversation for these friends and exposes the faults in their friendship. Also, viewers get a mystery. Russell is missing, and Daisy and Aza find clues throughout the movie to hopefully uncover his whereabouts. If you read the novel, you will know the differences but don't let that distract you from this adaptation. This film ends like most of John Green's books, with an honest, compelling, hopeful, and wholehearted conclusion. It will leave a mark and conversation for the audience.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
I'd kill to be like normal people - Aza
What if his microbiomes are better than yours - Daisy
No one ever says goodbye unless they want to see you again - Davis
Your doubts make you more real, not less - Professor Abbott
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