“Brain on Fire” is a biographical drama film based on the memoir of Susannah Cahalan, directed by Gerard Barrett. The movie follows Susannah Cahalan (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a young journalist who experiences a sudden and mysterious illness that leads to a rapid mental and physical decline.
As the film progresses, Susannah’s condition worsens, and she exhibits erratic behavior, hallucinations, and paranoia. Her family, friends, and colleagues are baffled by her symptoms, and Susannah herself struggles to understand what is happening to her.
After a series of misdiagnoses and failed treatments, Susannah is eventually admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where Dr. Najjar (played by Navid Negahban) takes an interest in her case. He suspects that Susannah might be suffering from an autoimmune disease that is attacking her brain, causing her symptoms.
In the climactic moments of the movie, Dr. Najjar and his team perform a test called a brain biopsy, confirming his suspicions. Susannah is diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disorder. The film ends on a hopeful note as Susannah undergoes treatment and gradually begins to recover.
In the final scenes, Susannah is shown taking steps towards rebuilding her life. She returns to her job as a journalist and continues to share her story to raise awareness about the often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition she faced.
The movie concludes with a sense of triumph as Susannah triumphs over her illness and resumes her normal life, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and proper medical treatment in dealing with complex neurological disorders.