When talented young writer Elizabeth Wurtzel earns a scholarship to Harvard, she sees it as her chance to escape the pressures of her working-class background and concentrate on her true talent. But what starts out so promising leads to self-destructive behavior and paralyzing depression that reflects an entire generation's struggle to navigate the effects of divorce, drugs, sex, and high expectations.
In portraying Elizabeth Wurtzel, Ricci displays range, depth, and courage.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
11 Mar 2003
rotten:
Truly depressing, a dark, mean and screechy film that still looks half-finished after years on the shelf.
– Michael Booth,
Denver Post,
4 Mar 2005
rotten:
Ninety-eight minutes of this movie and you may find yourself reaching for Prozac or the antidepressant of your choice. A cheap shot, to be sure, but the movie earns it.
– Robert Denerstein,
Denver Rocky Mountain News,
4 Mar 2005
rotten:
The self-centered brat at the center of Prozac Nation spends most of her time making life miserable for everyone around her, but there's little reason the public should have to pay for the same privilege.
– Todd McCarthy,
Variety,
5 Jan 2007
rotten:
There's really no reservoir of sympathy deep enough to support a whiny, navel-gazing Harvard student who turns her depression into a show-stopping spectacle.