Prozac Nation (film)

Prozac Nation is a 2001 American-German psychological drama film directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, starring Christina Ricci. The film is based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's 1994 autobiographical memoir Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America.

The film chronicles Wurtzel's experiences as a bright but deeply troubled young woman entering Harvard University. It depicts her struggles with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and her eventual treatment with the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac. While the drug provides some relief, the film also explores the complexities of mental illness, the challenges of therapy, and the search for identity and self-acceptance.

The narrative focuses on Wurtzel's relationships, academic pressures, and internal turmoil as she navigates her freshman year. It portrays the emotional intensity of her depression and the impact it has on her life and those around her. The film garnered mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising Ricci's performance and the film's depiction of mental illness, while others found it melodramatic and lacking in nuance. Despite mixed critical reception, it has since gained a cult following for its raw and honest portrayal of depression in young adulthood.