The 2006 cinéma vérité documentary film, THIN, directed by Lauren Greenfield and distributed by HBO, is a powerful exploration of the struggles of women with eating disorders. The film follows the lives of four women battling anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia while receiving treatment at The Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, Florida.
Through candid interviews and intimate moments, THIN gives an insight into the emotional and physical toll that these illnesses take on its victims. We see how their extreme desire to be thin drives them to extremes lengths in order to lose weight; from starvation diets to purging after meals. We witness breakdowns due to depression and anxiety that threaten to undo all of their hard-won progress toward recovery.
The women’s stories are heartbreaking yet inspiring – showing us the strength it takes not only for them but also for their families and friends who are supporting them through this difficult journey. The triumphs, however small they may be, demonstrate that there is hope for those struggling with these diseases.
THIN is an important reminder that no one should suffer alone when facing an eating disorder. Watching it can help create a greater understanding of what those affected experience as well as inform viewers on how they can help support someone through their recovery process. This documentary serves as a much needed resource for everyone involved in this fight against mental illness – so if you have not seen it yet then we urge you to do so now!
