WARNING: SPOILERS ON THE EDGE is an interesting piece about teenage depression and suicidal behavior. It begins when Jonathan (Cillian Murphy) loses his father to alcoholism. You don't understand Jonathan at all when you first meet him. He comes off as callous, self-centered and unlikeable until he grabs the urn with his father's ashes and decides to drive himself, in a stolen convertible, off a cliff. Is it an abrupt decision, spur of the moment, or is it something Jonathan has been contemplating for years? The only alternative to jail time is to participate in a residential suicide program in Dublin, run by Dr. Figure (Stephen Rea) so Jonathan agrees to it, though he doesn't believe anyone has answers or solutions for him. As you get to know him, you realize that Jonathan himself doesn't understand fully why he's so depressed and suicidal. You learn that his mother died when he was ten, and that there is a history of depression in his family. He has a rocky relationship with his older brother Mikey, who is the only family he has left.In the treatment center, where patients are required to wear pajamas instead of street clothes (Jonathan is given an especially rib-tickling set!) Jonathan becomes close friends with two other suicidal teens Toby (Jonathan Jackson, whose Irish accent was very good IMO) who accidentally killed his brother in an accident, and the very disturbed Rachel (Tricia Vessey) whose creepy sexiness Jonathan can't help but feel drawn to, even when she is abusive to him. Though Dr. Figure coaxes a lot of revealing stuff out from Jonathan's mind, it is his relationships with Toby and Rachel that assist him in taking a look at his life, and lead him to become a person who cares about people instead of being so self-involved all the time.The beautiful, doe-eyed Murphy does another fantastic job vanishing into a character who hides his vulnerability behind a facade of sarcasm and toughness that Dr. Figure can see right through. Jackson gives a heartrending performance. Vessey is impressive too, lending a very "L.A., California" vibe to this otherwise quite Irish story. I'd like to see more of her work. I would have said that I might like further explanation about Jonathan's history of self-cutting (You don't see any scars, but he spends most of his screen time in long-sleeved pajamas, sweaters and coats) and about Rachel's fascination with human blood. There are two semi-sexual scenes that are so bizarre they defy description. But I guess the whole point is that these behaviors can't be categorized or explained neatly. Every case is individual, and the doctors never know if treatment will be effective.Bittersweet is the word that best describes the overall tone of this film. John Carney did great with direction, but also composed the original music score that enriches many scenes. The film ends on a fairly upbeat note, but there is a nagging worry about whether these young people will really be able to keep surviving.I liked it.

This film is ambitious. Suicide-attempt survival is a topic with many dark corners and impenetrable emotions. I laud it for trying. Unfortunately, some parts of the movie had a real paint-by-numbers feel that made it impossible for me to connect to the characters or the story at times. The soundtrack as a stand-alone CD would likely be a fantastic mix for driving or listening, or lots of things. At the same time, the sheer popularity of the tunes makes them distracting and pigeonholes the characters and their feelings into particular contexts. Some of the only cases where this actually worked in favor of the film were when the Pixies and Supergrass showed up. The bright part of the movie, of course, is Cillian Murphy and his performance. In the beginning, he comes across as cocky and self-involved, and only through the much more disturbed Rachel does he realize that his problems aren't as bad as he thought. Their scenes were among the best in the film, but his scenes with Stephen Rea were quite poor. Maybe that's because Rea's characterization of the doctor was a little too real, in that he was too bland to be offensive, but seemed also too detached to be a help. In those scenes, Jonathan Breech comes off as a wise-ass with very little understanding and too much ego, which is perhaps intentional. However, the writing was not strong enough to keep the burden of believability afloat. I kept feeling like the director was in the back, saying, "With more disdain! Wow, you really hate that doctor! Let it show!" Then there's Toby. Cute, sad, and a bit of a blank. Just about anyone could have been cast in the role, which makes it sad that it wasn't an Irishman. Aside from the feeling that at any time the actors might turn to the camera and shout, "Acting!" Jon Lovitz style, it was watchable. Nice cinematography. I wouldn't even call it too sad, though, as the characters didn't come across as people, they came across as actors. Not even the bittersweetness of the orange Popsicle could save that.

i am tired of going into details on films . Cillian Murphy is captivating. The comedy is brilliant in timing and delivery and Stephen Rea plays it low profile in this film. Such constant and well done comedic content is based around young adults whon in despair do not wish to live and are institutionalised for it. (which is rare enough to find mental health assistance in ireland). the main character starts out wanting to end his life , commits sarcasm and jokes on all serious matters to hide his pain. He then through a series of life's common events, grows to appreciate life in a most touching way. as they say Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy" which seems to make a premise of this film yet for the character, his comedy stemming from pain grows to enlightenment. anyone who can understandably see the levels of mental depression in ireland that go without treatment can , i hope , relate to the issue at hand and appreciate the ability to laugh at life as well as treasure it. anyway this is how i interpret it, ( nothing worse than a critic, lol) ;-)

After seeing this film's premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, I cannot wait for it to be released in theatres. The acting is exceptional, especially on the part of Cillian Murphy. John Carney's direction is innovative and hopeful, and his free use of camera movements, angles and extreme close-ups adds so much to the depth of this film. Finally, the soundtrack is essential to the emotional impact of the movie. All in all, a versatile and funny film that is optimistic without nearing sappiness.