Donovan

Being an independent filmmaker means wearing nearly every single hat of production, beginning with the script and someday ending with distribution and promotion. In between all that, there's the movie itself.

First timer Jason Bee brings us a solid feature film containing a realistic look of someone struggling with mental illness yet makes it relateable to virtually anyone ever in a romantic relationship. At its core, Donovan is about taking responsibility for your own decisions and how they affect the people in your life. It's effective and powerful, especially if you've ever had an up close look at mental illness, specifically Bipolar Disorder.

Bee deftly relays these unimaginably difficult experiences to the audience with every scene, situation, character, sentence and facial expression. It's jarring in it's honesty but manages to find places for levity. Most importantly, you care about the characters in this story. You have no choice but to sit and watch and feel and hope and root Donovan on. This movie will last in your mind for a long while after the credits roll.

Review is for the trailer only -- cannot locate the film ANYWHERE. Intrigued and want to experience this man's story. WTF is up with distribution, DVD, streaming, downloads...? Nada. The flick's official site is kaput. Filmmaker Bee can be seen in a couple of youtube videos, but there are no clues as to HOW to see it.

This is a powerful thriller that puts the spotlight squarely on the issue of mental health and bipolar disorder. I am a firm believer in the fact that if you just watch this film for the entertainment value, you will walk away with a better understanding of the effects of mental health on family and loved ones.

An excellent study of lead character, Donovan Drake's continual struggle with his personal demons due to the stark realities caused by his bi-polar disorder. This no holds barred film is skillfully crafted by writer/director/star, Jason Bee. He guides the audience through a love/hate relationship with Mr. Drake and the affect his disorder has not only on himself, but on those around him and the ultimate consequences it causes in his life. Mr. Bee provides a realistic portrayal of the lead character and surrounds himself with a strong and talented supporting cast. This is a must see film for anyone who has personally been touched by any type of mental illness...either personally or by a friend or family member. As a matter of fact, this movie should be seen by everyone to be educated on the ongoing battles people endure who are affected by this disorder...

Such a powerful movie dealing with the struggles of being bi-Polar. We laughed, we cried, we sympathized. Great story and for those who have lived with or known someone diagnosed with being Bi-Polar, this movie is for you. We left with a whole new understanding of this disorder and it even started up great conversation with my teenage daughter who asked a lot of questions afterwards, who was all very touched by the movie. The soundtrack was off the chain too.