Unrealistic plots, stereotypical characters, and few realistic romantic moments often provide the backbone for most romantic comedies. Rarely does a movie of the genre break the stereotypes. However, “Silver Linings Playbook” journeys across unfamiliar territory by abstaining from almost every romantic comedy stereotype.

From the second the movie starts, the audience may sense the difference between this movie and every other romantic comedy. The starring character portrayed by Bradley Cooper, Pat Solitano, resides in a jail-like room in a state mental hospital. He pretends a jar of some sort is his wife and rehearses what he plans to say to her when they meet again. Pat ails from bipolar disorder and remained undiagnosed until an incident with his wife caused them to separate. He strays far from the average man, much less the “perfect man” common in romantic comedies.

Pat continues to show his differences from the average romantic comedy character throughout the movie. His mouth holds no filter. An example of his lack of verbal control first appears when his friend tells him not to ask how Tiffany, his wife’s sister portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, husband died. Pat meets Tiffany, tells her how beautiful she is, and then proceeds to ask how her husband died.

However, this unfortunate blurb starts a complicated friendship between the two. Audiences may find the odd dynamic between the two refreshing. Pat often proves to be the opposite of a gentleman, but Tiffany sets him in his place every time. However, she remains persistent to wake him from his delusions about his life, not just dramatically huff away from him.

A highlight of the film is how raw the portrayal of mental illness is. Bradley Cooper justifies his Best Actor Oscar nomination while portraying Pat’s bipolar episodes. Jennifer Lawrence scores with displaying Tiffany’s emotional turmoil. The script remains sensitive to the character’s situations, but does not diminish the severity. However, there is slut-shaming towards Tiffany for her behavior after her husband’s death. More feminist-leaning viewers may feel uncomfortable with these scenes — especially when it becomes apparent that no one will be chastised for their comments.

“Silver Linings Playbook” is one of the most critically-acclaimed films of 2012 and 2013. The award nominations and wins the film has earned seem justified. Audiences may leave the theater feeling that certain type of buzz one gets after viewing an excellent film. With a well-crafted script that balances humor, romance, and mental illness coupled with excellent acting from the main cast, “Silver Linings Playbook” is a film many can enjoy.  Hopefully those desiring to watch it can catch the film before it exits theaters.