Running with Scissors (2006)

In the tumultuous year of 1978, the life of fourteen-year-old Augusten Burroughs takes a dramatic twist. He's caught in the crossfire of his parents' volatile divorce, abandoned by his alcoholic father, Norman, and his manic-depressive mother, Deirdre, an aspiring but critically unsuccessful writer. Desperate to escape the chaos, Augusten finds himself thrust into the surreal world of Dr. Finch, Deirdre's eccentric therapist. In the chaos of Dr. Finch's household, Augusten navigates a maze of peculiar characters. From the timid Agnes Finch to the religiously zealous Hope, the rebellious Natalie, and Neil Bookman, the adopted adult patient-turned-son - they form an unconventional surrogate family for an increasingly isolated Augusten. In this bizarre setting, Augusten discovers a world far removed from the 'normal' family he dreams of, but one that offers him an uncanny sense of belonging. While Augusten takes refuge in his new family, he struggles with the dichotomy of his love/hate relationship with Deirdre, torn between the need for his mother and the desire to abandon her as she did him. As he dabbles in cosmetology, avoids school, and finds solace in an unlikely older lover, he also cultivates an unexpected friendship with Natalie, Finch's younger daughter. Amidst the turmoil, he documents his journey in a journal, a silent witness to his poignant transformation. Running with Scissors is a captivating tale of a boy grappling with his dysfunctional family, the abandonment by his mother, and the challenge of finding his own path. It's a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of unlikely relationships, set against the backdrop of a world where sanity is subjective. As he learns to play the cards he's been dealt, Augusten discovers kindred souls in the most unexpected places, reshaping his understanding of family and where he fits in. The narrative is an exploration of how a young boy survives to come of age amidst the chaos, carving out his own identity amidst the backdrop of his mother's spiraling mental illness and a family as eccentric as it is endearing.

Running with Scissors is a comedy movie featuring Annette Bening and directed by Ryan Murphy.

It is possible to buy Running with Scissors on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.