|Articles|June 7, 2011

Video: Monster Slayer

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Key Takeaways

  • Hallucinated “playmates” are depicted as internalized embodiments of Ben’s strengths and vulnerabilities, highlighting symptom phenomenology as both adaptive and maladaptive.
  • Daily functioning is shown as vulnerable to chaos when psychotic-like experiences intensify, despite their capacity to offer perceived companionship and emotional regulation.
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In this short film directed by Caskey, Ben has to make a difficult choice: continue to live with hallucinations, or confront reality, by taking medications that will destroy his imaginary world.

USA Network and RSA Films productionMonster Slayer demonstrates life for a man living with psychiatric illness. Every morning,  a motley crew of imaginary playmates visits Ben. Embodiments of the best and worst in Ben, these hallucinations bring him comfort and create chaos. This forces him to make a difficult choice: continue to live in his fantasy world, or confront reality, by taking a pill that will squelch his imagination.