Manic
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68% Critic Match

Manic

You can't escape yourself.

6.8 / 10 2001 1h 42mR English
Drama

Storyline

Follows the fate of Lyle, a violent adolescent who, in lieu of prison, is placed in a juvenile mental institution, where he encounters a group of equally troubled teens. This motley crew—abused, sexually confused, violent, and yet hanging on by their grit and anger—becomes Lyle's last lifeline as he fights to find meaning in a world that seems to defy understanding.

Cast & Crew

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Lyle

Lead
Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle

Dr. David Monroe

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel

Tracy

Michael Bacall

Michael Bacall

Chad

Elden Henson

Elden Henson

Michael

Cody Lightning

Cody Lightning

Kenny

Sara Rivas

Sara Rivas

Sara

William Richert

William Richert

Diego

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Jordan Melamed's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
3.0
Every frame feels alive. Manic is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker