Review of Touched with Fire (2016) by Claudia P — 22 Feb 2016

Touched with Fire touches on a very difficult topic, mental illness, in a way that inspires and lets you down at the same time.

The fight against bipolar disorder for the two leads played by Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby is one that never completly grips the viewer. We have a subject matter that needs to be fleshed out and it is in a Benny and Joon style and not the way it deserves. What we learn in the end is with help mental illness can be overcome, but it took long meandering road to get there. I want to learn of the process not the result. This was a result oriented tale more so then all of the effects the illness has on everyone else. The family of each come in and out like a waiter. Maybe i'm of the belief that a parent would never give up on a child, but that's just me.

The performance of Kirby is super. He's believable and it's undeniable he's a talent to watch. Holmes is solid as well, but it's Kirby's breakthrough performance that should be lauded,.

Overall, the movie will be one that could have been much more important then it ended up, however it's still a fine film with a satisfying yet unexpected finish.