Beth is a perfectly normal teenager who should be happy with her life. She has a good relationship with her parents, particularly her mum. She has friends and isn't bullied at all. She does well in school. As far as everyone is aware, she is a normal, healthy girl.

Except that she throws up after she eats.

Beth is severely bulimic. She has been for three years. And now the affects on her health are becoming noticeable.

This film deals with the reactions of Beth's friends and family. It concentrates as much on the others as it does on Beth and shows how difficult an eating disorder is on those who know the sufferer.

I love this film because it deals with Beth's recovery rather than how she became bulimic. A lot of films on this subject will show a person developing a disorder, but then end when people find out or the sufferer decides to get better. Instead, Sharing the Secret shows Beth when her disorder is at its worst and the challenge she has of acknowledging her problem and getting free of it. I think it gives a great message because it shows that eating disorder sufferers can't just stop. It also breaks down the assumption that eating disorder sufferers act just through a desire to be thin, when there's a lot more to it than that.

It's an incredibly touching story. I was in tears at parts of it.
The acting is extremely good, especially considering that some of the actors are quite young.

The characterisation is great. Everyone, whether a major or a minor character, is believable and distinct. Watching the film, you get to understand how everyone feels and why they act the way they do.

The plot is moving and brutally honest.

As special features, the DVD includes text about the film background and cast biographies. It also has the trailer for Sharing the Secret and a couple of other films. The special features aren't all that special, but I buy DVDs for the films, so I'm OK with that.

I would strongly recommend this film. I would also recommend you have a box of tissues handy.

I would particularly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about eating disorders or know someone who's a sufferer. However I think it's a great story and would be enjoyable to people who know nothing about bulimia.