Thumbsucker
Thumbsucker

Thumbsucker

2005Movie96 minEnglish

Justin Cobb, a teenager in suburban Oregon, copes with his thumb-sucking problem, romance, and his diagnosis with ADHD and subsequent experience using Ritalin.

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users74%
Director: Mike MillsGenres: Comedy-Drama

Plot Summary

Justin Salinger is a 17-year-old who has a persistent thumb-sucking habit. His parents, desperate for him to quit, send him to a orthodontist who recommends a hypnotherapist. The hypnotherapy helps him quit sucking his thumb, but he develops a new obsession with oral fixation. He also struggles with identity, his relationships with his parents, and his burgeoning sexuality.

Critical Reception

Thumbsucker was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its quirky humor, strong performances, and honest portrayal of adolescence. The film was noted for its unique visual style and its sensitive exploration of teenage angst and family dynamics.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic depiction of teenage awkwardness and existential angst.
  • Lauded for strong performances, particularly from Lou Taylor Pucci and Tilda Swinton.
  • Appreciated for its quirky, independent film sensibility and unique visual style.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film for its relatable exploration of adolescent struggles and the strong acting. Many found the movie to be funny and insightful, though some felt the pacing could be slow at times.

Fun Fact

Director Mike Mills drew inspiration for the film from his own experiences with thumb-sucking and therapy as a teenager.

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