Against medical advice and without the knowledge of her husband Pat Solatano Sr. caring Dolores Solatano discharges her adult son Pat Solatano Jr. from a Maryland mental health institution after his minimum eight month court ordered stint. The condition of the release includes Pat Jr. moving back in with his parents in their Philadelphia home. Although Pat Jr.s institutionalization was due to him beating up the lover of his wife Nikki he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Nikki has since left him and has received a restraining order against him. Although he is on medication (which he doesnt take because of the way it makes him feel) and has mandatory therapy sessions Pat Jr. feels like he can manage on the outside solely by healthy living and looking for the silver linings in his life. His goals are to get his old job back as a substitute teacher but more importantly reunite with Nikki. He finds there are certain instances where he doesnt cope well however no less so ...
Review
I saw this at the Hamptons International Film Festival as the Spotlight film and it was one of the best movies I have ever seen. It is so relatable even if you don't suffer from the same afflictions as the main characters and its implications are so farreaching that everyone I believe can learn a little something from Pat and Tiffany. The story sends such wonderful messages about finding the "silver lining" and is uplifting even in the seemingly most dire circumstances. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are phenomenal and I found myself really attached to their characters. This is a must see for everyone! And I will be seeing it again when it hits theaters in November.
