A Want in Her review – daughter’s searing portrait of family addiction and mental illness

The article is a review of the documentary film "A Want in Her" by Myrid Carten, which explores her complex relationship with her mother, Nuala, who suffers from both bipolar disorder and alcoholism. The documentary provides a searing and intimate portrait of the family's struggles with Nuala's mental health and addiction issues. Carten holds the camera as she captures Nuala's erratic behavior, including her disappearances during alcohol-fueled binges. The film contrasts the present-day Nuala, who is often inebriated and disheveled, with the composed and articulate social worker she once was, as seen in archival news footage. The review suggests that the film is a difficult but powerful watch, particularly for those who have experienced similar challenges with a loved one's mental illness and addiction. The documentary exposes the open wound of Carten's relationship with her mother, highlighting the complexities and pain that come with loving someone who battles these demons. Overall, the article presents a concise and unbiased summary of the documentary's central themes and the emotional impact it is likely to have on viewers.