An Honest View into the Human Psyche

Rating: 10/10 (15 December 2016)

Good Will Hunting is a coming of age story about a young man who happens to be a genius.
The undercurrents rolling throughout this story are vast and complex, but deep with meaning. This is a film that truly resonates with me, as I am drawn to characters that don't always represent who they are on the surface. I enjoy characters that force you to dig deeper, past their facades. Will, is one of those kinds of characters. He appears physically, and mentally strong in the beginning of the movie, but we soon learn that appearances can be deceiving. He hides behind his intellect, using it as a way to take the focus off what is lurking within him just below the surface.
It is only when he meets a therapist, who shares a similar past to his own that he begins to learn about himself. He is pushed without even realizing it, and begins to change, shedding the second skin he's been hiding behind. Once he does begin to take chances, and allow himself to experience things at the urging of his therapist, he truly begins to grow, and this is when we get to see the magic happen. A change elicits from within him slowly, and walls begin to come down as he realizes what he needs to do.
This is beautifully put together with elements of raw emotion, and words of wisdom to live by. The characters are all very unique, and many add tremendous depth to the story. We see two different glimpses into Will's character, one where he is with his friends, and a girlfriend being a typical twenty-year old, and one where he is with his therapist delving into the depths of his unique and incredible mind. We learn about him piece by piece, and of the struggles that hold him back from using his gift to it's fullest extent. It's a fascinating combination to view from the outside, and allows us to fully see the character from every angle. I loved this movie, and especially the connection that develops between Will and his therapist.