Discussion Guide
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11-12

The Bitter Pill: Discussion Guide

Using This Guide

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and is designed for people who want to use The Bitter Pill to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively. The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. Be sure to leave time to consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult. For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit https://communitynetwork.amdoc.org/.

Sources

About the authors

Mary Rohlich

Mary Rohlich is a film, television, and documentary producer and founder of Ikigai Owl Pictures, currently in post-production on the indie feature Paring. She previously led TV and Film at Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Purple Pebble Pictures under a first-look deal with Amazon, and was an Executive Producer on Netflix’s Atypical. Her television credits include The Good Doctor, Sneaky Pete, The Goldbergs, Breaking In, and hit films like Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, and Baywatch. In documentaries, she produced the Oscar-shortlisted Gleason and acclaimed titles like Wrestle, Bill Nye: Science Guy, and The Bitter Pill (POV, 2025). A Hollywood Reporter “Next Gen: 35 Under 35” honoree, Rohlich also serves on the boards of Vidiots and The Children’s Institute.

Author photo