This year, The Beaver was nominated for a PRISM Award in the category Feature Film Mental Health. The film follows Walter Black, played by Mel Gibson, a man who is experiencing severe symptoms of depression, including a lack of empathy for those around him, leading to the demise of his relationships with his wife and children until he begins using  a beaver puppet as an alter ego to communicate with them. When questioned about the puppet he claims, falsely, that it is a new tool recommended by his therapist.

As the film progresses, Walter appears to be better able to function successfully in daily life but becomes so reliant on his puppet to communicate that he does not know any other way to express himself. Walter realizes this dilemma and attempts to wean himself off the puppet but he remains unsuccessful until he physically removes the puppet, and his forearm.

This leads to him being sent to an inpatient mental health facility where he receives effective support through medication and therapy and recovers by learning to manage his symptoms effectively. While this film showcases an extreme case of depression, the key message is that recovery is possible when the appropriate services and support are utilized. Reaching out for help is a necessary step to taking control.

EIC congratulates The Beaver on its PRISM Award nomination! You can watch this year's PRISM Awards Showcase online and On-Demand. Click here for the full airing schedule!