Words on Bathroom Walls
A vibrant, empathetic teen drama that visualizes the chaotic landscape of schizophrenia through swirling ink and intrusive avatars. It balances the terror of losing one's mind with the warm, grounding comfort of first love and culinary creation.
Words on Bathroom Walls
Words on Bathroom Walls

"If you can't trust your mind, trust your heart."

21 August 2020 United States of America 111 min ⭐ 7.8 (647)
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Cast: Charlie Plummer, Molly Parker, Walton Goggins, Andy Garcia, Taylor Russell
Drama Romance
The Stigma of Mental Illness Self-Acceptance vs. The Cure Trust and Vulnerability Family Dynamics and redefining 'Father'
Budget: $8,000,000
Box Office: $3,151,849

Words on Bathroom Walls - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Adam Petrazelli

Charlie Plummer

Archetype: The Unreliable Narrator / Tortured Artist
Key Trait: Resilience

Motivation

To be "normal" enough to attend culinary school and be worthy of Maya's love.

Character Arc

Starts as a terrified teen hiding his diagnosis, viewing himself as a "monster." Through his relationship with Maya and the failure of the drug trial, he moves to a place of courage, eventually owning his story publicly.

Maya Arnez

Taylor Russell

Archetype: The High-Achiever / The Empathetic Love Interest
Key Trait: Intellect

Motivation

To secure her future through academic success and financial stability.

Character Arc

Initially guarded about her own poverty and struggles, she learns to open up to Adam. She moves from being his tutor to his partner, challenging him to be honest.

Paul

Walton Goggins

Archetype: The Steadfast Protector
Key Trait: Loyalty

Motivation

To protect and support his family, including Adam.

Character Arc

Begins as the perceived antagonist encroaching on Adam's life. He proves his loyalty by researching Adam's condition and standing by him when his biological father flees.

Father Patrick

Andy Garcia

Archetype: The Unconventional Mentor
Key Trait: Empathy

Motivation

To guide his students with compassion rather than rigid dogma.

Character Arc

Serves as a spiritual anchor who doesn't offer platitudes but real wisdom. He helps Adam distinguish between confession and therapy, offering acceptance.

Cast

Charlie Plummer as Adam
Molly Parker as Beth
Walton Goggins as Paul
Andy Garcia as Father Patrick
Taylor Russell as Maya
AnnaSophia Robb as Rebecca
Beth Grant as Sister Catherine
Devon Bostick as Joaquin
Lobo Sebastian as Bodyguard
Aaron Dominguez as Todd
Reinaldo Faberlle as Manuel
Jeris Donovan as Woman
Iain Tucker as Ahole Teenager
Sean Michael Weber as Paramedic
Drew Scheid as Ted