This is a bold statement, but I’m going to make it: I’m not sure anyone has ever been as well-cast as Jolie in that role. Obviously, the actress—who turned 50 today—has dealt with her own share of inner turmoil, public scrutiny, and media bullshit (especially in recent years), so maybe some of her constantly gossiped-about glamour fed into her onscreen portrayal of Lisa. But honestly, revisiting the movie in 2025, it’s amazing how completely Jolie disappears into the role; her Lisa is a total nightmare, to be sure, yet Jolie plays her with enough aplomb, humor, and, yes, seductiveness to make me wonder just how much of my chaotic-girl-chasing 20s was unconsciously inspired by her.

Grateful as I am to be much healthier now emotionally, I still have a soft spot for Jolie’s portrayal of Lisa. Maybe it’s because enough time has gone by since I was obsessively trying to get a second date with girls whose whole deals spanned even more of the DSM-IV than mine did that I can actually look back at that period semi-nostalgically. All I can say now is, A) Girl, Interrupted holds up and B) I hope the Lisa-esque women I used to be infatuated with have benefitted from therapy and healing over the years as much as I have. We all deserve it! Especially Angelina Jolie herself!