A Mouthful of Air (2021): Full list of cast

A Mouthful of Air, released on October 29, 2021, is an American psychological drama film. Written, directed and produced by Amy Koppelman, the film is based on her 2003 novel of the same name. The movie delves into mental health and postpartum depression, focusing on Julie Davis, played by Amanda Seyfried, who struggles with her inner demons.

Stage 6 Films brought to viewers this delicate and emotionally powerful narrative. The film's subdued treatment of mental health received mixed comments; some praised the cast's performance, while others felt its emotional depth to be missing.

The story of the movie revolves on children's book author Julie Davis, who attempts suicide on the eve of her baby's first birthday. Julie's second pregnancy and ongoing struggle with anxiety push her to face her unresolved trauma from past. Capturing Julie's fragile mental state and the complexity of parenting, this introspective trip becomes the central focus of the story.

Amanda Seyfried, who plays Julie Davis, is the major cast member. Seyfried's performance is said to be honest and real, and her potrayal has received much compliments.

Finn Wittrock also stars as Julie's powerless but supporting husband, Ethan Davis. Jennifer Carpenter plays Lucy, her sister-in-law; Amy Irving plays Bobbi Davis, Julie's mother. This outstanding actor cast gives the narrative the nuance viewers will find appealing.

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Main cast of A Mouthful of Air (2021)

Amanda Seyfried as Julie Davis

Image of Amanda Seyfried from A Mouthful of Air (Image via Instagram/@mingey)

Amanda Seyfried leads the film as Julie Davis, a new mother suffering from severe depression.

Julie's character reflects the inner conflict of someone trying to negotiate the demands of life by being both delicate and strong. The emotional intensity of Seyfried's performance — which captures Julie's core — has been praised.

Finn Wittrock as Ethan Davis

Image of Finn Wittrock from A Mouthful of Air (Image via Instagram/@finnwittrock)

Ethan Davis, Julie's husband, who supports her while juggling the severity of her mental illness, is played by Finn Wittrock. Although he's sometimes at a loss regarding how to support his wife, Ethan calms the turbulence.

Amy Irving as Bobbi Davis

Bobbi Davis, Julie's mother, is portrayed by Amy Irving and is very important to the movie. Her exchanges with Julie draw attention to the ancestral trauma and unacknowledged problems influencing Julie's path of mental recovery.

Jennifer Carpenter as Lucy

Image of Jennifer Carpenter from A Mouthful of Air (Image via Instagram/@thejennwithin)

Jennifer Carpenter plays Lucy, Julie’s sister-in-law. Lucy’s character brings another dimension to the family dynamic, showing how those around Julie respond to her struggles.

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Supporting Cast of A Mouthful of Air

Paul Giamatti as Dr. Sylvester

Giamatti appears as Dr. Sylvester, Julie’s psychiatrist. His character is central to the discussions around mental health, providing insight into Julie’s condition.

Britt Robertson as Rachel Davis

Robertson plays Rachel Davis, a supporting character who further develops the storyline surrounding Julie’s family.

Michael Gaston as Ron

Gaston plays Julie’s estranged father, Ron. His appearances in flashbacks give clues to Julie’s upbringing and the root of her traumas.

Cate Elefante as Young Julie Davis

Elefante portrays the younger version of Julie Davis, appearing in flashbacks that reveal the childhood events that have deeply impacted Julie’s adult life.

Josh Hamilton as Dr. Salzman

Hamilton plays Dr. Salzman, another important figure in Julie’s medical care, reflecting the film’s focus on the clinical aspects of mental health.

Alysia Reiner as Pam

Reiner plays Pam, contributing to the story's secondary characters who influence Julie’s life.

Eliot Sumner as Doughnuts

Sumner’s character, Doughnuts, adds to the supporting cast, contributing to the richness of the storyline.

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Plot Breakdown

While A Mouthful of Air is a feature film and not divided into episodes, its plot unfolds chapters in Julie’s life. Every part of the film exposes more about her history and present; flashbacks are absolutely essential pieces of her mental health jigsaw.

The movie doesn't hold back when depicting the emotional weight Julie bears and how that affects her interactions with people close by. Her second pregnancy is a turning point in the movie and sets up the sad last reveal.

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Offering a complex view of mental health, maternity and trauma, A Mouthful of Air adopts a tough topic. Lead by Amanda Seyfried, the whole cast of the movie gives the narrative emotional complexity and nuance.

Under Amy Koppelman's direction, this film offers viewers a moving meditation on the difficulties of living with depression, offering a careful examination of a sometimes overlooked problem.