55 Steps

2018 • 114 minutes

About this movie

55 STEPS is based on the inspiring true story of the unlikely relationship between an outrageous and wickedly smart Eleanor Riese (Helena Bonham Carter), a patient in a psychiatric hospital where she’s been mistreated, and her attorney, a workaholic patients’ rights lawyer, Colette Hughes (Hilary Swank). In this heartfelt tale told with humor and emotion, Colette takes on the uphill battle of representing Eleanor against the psychiatric establishment while the spirited Eleanor makes it her mission to mentor Colette whether Colette likes it or not! The film features an award-winning cast including Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech, Alice in Wonderland, Suffragette and Harry Potter franchise) and Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby, P.S. I Love You and Logan Lucky).

Ratings and reviews

I'm all for (and admittedly thoroughly enjoy) higher profile, "mainstream" flicks like Marvel's outings. However, in an age where "smaller" dramas struggle to gain the same kind of recognition they once used to in those films' shadows, I feel I must take the time to give credit where I feel it's due with this one. I very rarely leave reviews, but this one kept me engaged from start to finish because of the fantastic acting and story they were telling. Deserves far more acknowledgement IMHO.

I haven’t watched it yet and I’m trying to figure out how to purchase it online. I can’t wait to see it because my son has been forced medicated for 30 years and it’s destroyed his life and robbed me of my son. I want a hard copy of this, a DVD, and I don’t know why I’m having such trouble purchasing it.

If you are in medicine and want to hear a “based on a true story” successful patient advocacy piece, I strongly recommend to purchase (not rent) this movie... I normally don’t like dramas but this one truly reminded me why I love being a nurse. A must watch!