Films to See: “A Light Beneath Their Feet”

Madison Davenport and Taryn Manning deliver stunning performances in this ‘life is complicated’ story of 17-year old Beth (Madison Davenport) who is struggling to choose between the local college, so she can continue to care for her mother who has bipolar disorder (Taryn Manning) or a California college where she can pursue her dream. Director Valerie Weiss shows us Beth’s struggle through the life experiences that influence her decision. For Beth, the roles have been reversed as she is the ‘mom’ to her mother, Gloria who struggles with her mental illness. It is emotionally powerful to see how Gloria faces her illness and how it affects each person in her life from her ex-husband, and daughter, Beth, to her employer.

Why You Might Like “A Light Beneath Their Feet”

“A Light Beneath Their Feet” offers compelling performances and intelligent insights into a continually misunderstood mental illness. It puts a human face on the issue by showing how we all stumble through life; at times in control and at other times unable to manage. Following the film, audience members can join in a stimulating discussion with festival host Rob Salem and a panel of experts on bipolar disorder. You can view the trailer for “A Light Beneath Their Feet” here.

Written by Cathie McCready
Cathie McCready is a film-buff who is writing her 1st novel.