Carla Lucia (Katie Holmes) is a struggling poet. Her mother Sara suggests going to check out her files at the hospital. Marco (Luke Kirby) is a borderline hoarder. His father George finds him in a mess after he stopped taking his medication. He is picked up by the cops. Carla and Marco end up in the psychiatric hospital together.It's intriguing as a character study of these two with mental issues. It's less appealing as a romance. His troubled nature makes it more difficult. Their instability makes the movie a rambling journey. Katie Holmes provides a good performance. She doesn't have to be the cute spunky girl which allows her to stretch. There is some good work here even if it doesn't all pull together.

Touched with Fire was a whirlwind of a film to watch. Although it had its brief moments that pumped its audience with adrenaline, the story dragged for the rest of the show time.The film centers around two writers suffering from an episode of the condition they both share: bipolar disorder. They meet as patients in the psych hospital they are being treated at. Carla is a mysterious and quiet poet who is tricked into committing herself into the hospital by her psychiatrist. Marco- a rebellious songwriter- is committed against his will after a night of mania and foolish acts. As the two attempt to accept their treatment, they grow a bond that widens their hearts but threatens their mental health. The performances was probably one of the aspects of the film that boosted the film's quality, but Katie Holmes acts more like she is high on drug which has the purpose to release you of stress rather than a sufferer of bipolar. Although many praised her performance in the feature, I found it lifeless and tedious. Luke Kirby shines as Marco and portrays both the aggressive and humane aspects of his character. His performance brought out the accurate feelings, sorrows and artistic abilities of a bipolar sufferer.One of my problems with the film was that the plot was disorganized and many events that occurred didn't seem to match the puzzle of the story.There was certain repetition of each event and many 'Romeo and Juliet' moments. These moments included the parents of both characters telling them they couldn't be together, them running away , being found and the cycle occurring a few more times. Despite the disorganized plot, Touched With Fire does display bipolar disorder to a superb degree. The characters are written accurately and aren't displayed by any false stereotypical means.Touched with Fire is worth watching due to the important message it spreads about an illness everyone thinks they know-but they really don't.7 out of 10 stars.

For 20 years I have been conflicted with the validity of being diagnosed bi-polar. By chance, I caught this film on TV. I didn't see much connection while I watched it, but the next morning, I started thinking about the movie and my past experiences/difficulties,and I started crying. It was a near perfect match being that I am more manic than depressive and the movie shows what bi-polar mania looks on someone. It was refreshing to be able to relate. I have since excepted my diagnosis, because I now know it to be true inside myself.

Katie Holmes plays a manic depressive poet named Carla who meets Marco, played by Luke Kirby, in a psychiatric hospital. Both suffering from Bipolar disorder they find a connection in poetry and alien conspiracy in their manic states. At it's center the film looks at the relationship between mania and creativity and the pros and cons of the mental illness, bipolar disorder. The strength of the film lay in it's characters and direction. Writer/director Paul Dalio creates two characters who are relatable in their humanity, even if you don't suffer from mental illness. Luke Kirby's performance is solid as well as supporting actors Christine Lahti and Griffin Dunne. Unfortunately, some faults lay in star Katie Holmes, as much as she seems to be really trying, she comes across as a little unbelievable at moments although she does perform passably. The pace is a little crooked at times but the on screen dynamic between the two stars really pulls the viewer in and lets us understand the way they see the world. six and a half stars.