Suicide Room

Production and year: Poland 2010 Genre: psychological drama Screenplay and direction: Jan Komasa Music: Michał Jacaszek Cinematography: Radosław Ładczuk Cast: Jakub Gierszał, Roma Gąsiorowska, Agata Kulesza, Krzysztof Pieczyński Medical topics: depression, internet addiction (ZUI, internet addiction syndrome), psychiatrists Description: To start with a personal opinion: This film is worth watching—it’s rare to find such original and universal cinema in Poland. Criteria for depression according to the ICD-10 classification : A depressed mood to a degree that is clearly atypical for the individual, present for most of the day. Dominik Santorski (Jakub Gierszał) is a high school senior, an only child, living in the home of his wealthy parents. His father works at the ministry, and his mother is pursuing a career as a fashion designer. The person with whom he spends most of his day is a driver and bodyguard hired by his father. Dominik dresses in an “emo” style and spends hours surfing the internet. He feels increasingly lonely. Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem The difficult transition into adulthood, compounded by his parents’ constant absence, is further complicated by a sense of rejection among his peers. His private life is exposed to public ridicule, causing him to withdraw into himself and shut himself away within the four walls of his own room. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyable He withdraws from school, sports, and friends. He accidentally stumbles upon a chatroom called "Suicide Room" and enters a world of people fascinated by the possibility of taking their own lives. The acceptance and emotional bond he finds there make him, in a way, become one of the avatars present there. (Noteworthy are the extensive scenes created using computer animation.) Sleep disturbances of any kind Change in appetite During his week-long absence from his parents’ home, Dominik does not go to school, does not sleep, does not eat the meals prepared by the housekeeper, and spends all his time wandering through the virtual world that has become his reality. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or suicidal behavior The arrival of the police, alerted by the housekeeper who was terrified by the whole situation, ends with a suicide attempt and Dominik’s placement in a secure psychiatric ward. A change in psychomotor activity consisting of agitation or slowing Down Reduced energy Surprised parents, who arrive at the hospital to pick up Dominik, receive the news from the doctor with disbelief that their son has attempted suicide and that he is unresponsive. Contrary to the doctor’s recommendations, they take him home—apathetic and devoid of emotion—and then try to secure him quick and effective psychiatric help. Will psychotropic drugs help here? Will a conversation with a specialist suffice? Or perhaps a shock therapy approach and cutting the young man off from the internet will be effective? I encourage you to watch it. And here’s a tip for residents and lovers of Wrocław—a keen observer will recognize familiar interiors and locations in the capital of Lower Silesia, where the film was shot.