«Group» by William R.A. Rush

Group therapy is more than simply exchanging stories with semi-strangers, listening distractedly while waiting for one’s moment to speak. It is said to be akin to a room of mirrors, and because of this, everyone must tell the whole truth so as not to risk finding themselves in a maze with no exits.

“Group” is a powerful and socially conscious film, directed by William R.A. Rush, that delves into the lives of individuals attending a support group for recovering addicts. With a focus on authenticity and representation, this compelling drama addresses mental health issues and sheds light on the struggles faced by the various characters and their consequences.

Through consultation with a group therapy expert, the film aims to provide an accurate and nuanced portrait of a group of people struggling with addiction, mixing realism and fiction in a theatrical setting that amplifies the characters’ emotions and reactions.

One of the film’s strengths is its dedication to diversity and inclusion, both on and off-screen. “Group” features LGBTQIA+ characters played by LGBTQIA+ actors, while the crew comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities. This engagement in representation enriches the narrative and helps amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, fostering a more inclusive and authentic cinematic experience.

A diverse and courageous cast makes possible a very ambitious rehearsal, exploring a variety of lives and moods that touch strings of pain and hope.

“Group” skillfully portrays the complexities of mental health in a community, addiction, and the dynamics within a support group, where despair and hope for a better tomorrow resonate. What differentiates this drama, and what will resonate with viewers for a long time, is the reflection, taken to an extreme by the film’s pacing toward the finale, on the importance of truth and how the words we say every day to those around us are real weapons to be used with caution.