Educational Media Reviews Online

Five people share their first-hand experiences with depression and suicide…both their own attempts and those of family members and friends. Susan’s brother Robert committed suicide which ultimately sent Susan into her own bout of depression and a suicide attempt. Shannon became depressed after trying to deal with the traumatic death of her father, followed by the death of her mother. Her own suicide attempt failed, due in large part to her close friends. Kenny talks about his friend with bipolar disorder who tries to kill himself with pills and alcohol. All of the stories in the film touch on the many reasons that trigger depression, the symptoms of suicidal thinking, and the deep influence depression and suicide have not only the person themselves, but their family and friends.

It is easy to connect emotionally with those profiled in the film – their stories, filled with love, grief, anger, and ultimately hope, are real and touching. However, for educational purposes, the film suffers from a lack of in-depth exploration of the emotions and repercussions surrounding depression and suicide. It does, none the less, have its place as an effective overview of how suicide impacts everyone involved. Technically, the film is beautifully made. The title appropriately provides a clue to the overall feeling of the piece—that there is hope and there is a way to the light at the end of the tunnel. Toward Daylight will likely work best as a discussion starter for upper division high school as well as introductory college classes that are studying depression and suicide. A recommended, but not essential purchase for most libraries.