Movie spotlight
The Slender Thread
Alan is a Seattle college student volunteering at a crisis center. One night when at the clinic alone, a woman calls up the number and tells Alan that she needs to talk to someone. She informs Alan she took a load of pills, and he secretly tries to get help. During this time, he learns more about the woman, her family life, and why she wants to die. Can Alan get the cavalry to save her in time before it's too late?
Insights
Plot Summary
A dedicated psychology student, Alan, takes a job as a crisis counselor at a local university's suicide prevention center. On his first night, he receives a frantic call from a young woman named Jill who is on the verge of ending her life after a series of personal tragedies. Alan must use all his empathy and nascent psychological skills to keep her talking and convince her to stay alive until help can arrive, all while dealing with his own insecurities and the limitations of the center.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Slender Thread' received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Sidney Poitier's performance and the film's tense, character-driven narrative. While some critics found the subject matter heavy-handed or the resolution somewhat convenient, many appreciated its sensitive and urgent portrayal of a critical social issue.
What Reviewers Say
Sidney Poitier delivers a compelling and sensitive performance as a counselor in crisis.
The film's suspenseful narrative effectively draws viewers into the desperate situation.
While tackling a serious subject, some found the resolution to be somewhat predictable.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Slender Thread' is not widely documented on Google, but general sentiment often highlights the powerful acting and the film's dramatic intensity.
Fun Fact
The film was groundbreaking for its time in its direct engagement with the then-emerging field of suicide prevention hotlines and psychological counseling.
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