Podcast Summary: The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

Episode 137: How a Film Director Used OCD as Fuel: The Story Behind the Film PURE O
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Kristina Orlova
Guest: Dylan Tucker, filmmaker and creator of "Pure O"

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the making and impact of "Pure O," an intimately personal film depicting Purely Obsessional OCD (also known as Pure O) from the perspective of someone who lives with the condition. Filmmaker Dylan Tucker shares how creating the film was both a therapeutic endeavor and a tool for advocacy. The conversation addresses the challenges of accurately portraying OCD in mainstream media, how the film has resonated with viewers globally, and the potent connection between creativity and mental health.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of "Pure O" and Its Unique Approach

• Dylan’s Motivation:
  Dylan wrote "Pure O" during the pandemic, initially as a self-exploratory exercise.

  “I wanted to kind of tell my story, and I got it on the page... Even as I was writing it, I didn't know if people would—outside of people who have OCD—really understand it or get it.” (04:06)

• Portrayal Distinctiveness:
  Dylan wanted a film that went beyond stereotypical, comedic, or superficial depictions, opting for realism and nuance.

  “Everything was sort of like Monk... kitschy portrayals, using it as a quirky character. I hadn't really seen anything attempt to tackle it.” (04:56)
  He chose not to use visual tricks to represent intrusive thoughts, instead grounding the narrative in realism.

2. Community Reception and Emotional Impact

• Unexpected Vulnerability at Screenings
  The film's premiere at South by Southwest sparked unanticipated emotional responses.

  “People were just raising their hand and just... sharing their own personal testimonials... with a lot of emotion. It was an incredibly emotionally impactful experience...” (01:04, 04:06)

• Global Reach:
  Viewers from around the world have reached out to Dylan to say the film helped them feel “seen.”

  “That's the biggest thing for me with the film... Not just sufferers, but family members saying, ‘Hey, I watched your film and then I was finally able to talk to my brother or my son.’” (05:39)

3. Breaking Down Stigma and Starting Conversations

• Language and Representation Matter:
  Both Kristina and Dylan highlight the importance of visual storytelling for building shared understanding about OCD, especially for those without words to describe their experiences.

  “When you're in it, you don't even understand what's happening... so you don't even have words sometimes for the experience.” (07:21)

• Not Just for Those with OCD:
  The film aims to help not only people with OCD, but also their loved ones, by providing a shared reference point for conversation.

4. OCD as a Creative Engine

• Turning OCD Traits into Strengths:
  Dylan describes channeling perfectionistic and obsessive tendencies into filmmaking.

  “I actually... look at OCD now as kind of my superpower. All that stuff that scared me about it... I can allow my OCD to find a home in a productive way.” (09:45)

• Creative Advice:
  He recommends some emotional distance before turning lived experience into creative work:

  “I waited a few years to write the script because I wanted to sort of write it with an eye looking back on it versus writing it in the middle of it.” (08:28)

5. The Risks and Rewards of Vulnerability

• Personal Sacrifice:
  Dylan recounts the overwhelming feeling of exposing his story to the world, especially in a private solo screening before release:

  “Halfway through the movie, I was like, oh my god, what have I done? I'm just totally baring myself and this is now going to go into the world...” (11:35)

• Support System:
  He credits his partner and family for encouraging him to move forward and embrace advocacy.

  “I have an amazing, wonderful, supportive partner who talked me off the ledge and reminded me why I was doing this.” (12:23)

6. Advocacy, Community, and Mainstream Moments

• Group Therapy’s Impact:
  Dylan shares how beneficial group therapy was to counter isolation and discover that flourishing with OCD was possible.

  “I was fortunate enough to have a really smart therapist... I was able to sort of see that it wasn’t this death sentence that I had it sort of built up in my head to be...” (13:23)

• Mainstream Representation:
  Both mention the recent increase in public figures opening up about OCD and the hope that the condition is entering mainstream discourse.

  “I hope OCD is having a moment where it’s coming a little bit more to the mainstream...” (14:56)

7. Why Representation in Film Matters

• Films as Tools for Empathy:

  “There’s a lot of space for films like ours that... can maybe leave you with a bit of an understanding about something you didn’t understand...” (15:47)

• Visuals Over Manuals:
  Kristina notes people in crisis rarely resort to textbooks; films are more accessible and immediately relatable.

  “When we're in the throes of something, we're not typically going to sit and read a manual... a film... can give you some insight.” (16:16)

8. The Importance of Portraying the Whole “System”

• Broader Perspective:
  Dylan intentionally developed not just the main character, but their interpersonal relationships, to depict the ripple effects of OCD in a person’s life.

  “To really show this one person who’s going through it, but to really spend the time, to develop out sort of other relationships...” (17:37)

• OCD and Isolation:
  Both discuss how invisible illnesses intensify feelings of isolation, making genuine representation even more crucial for sufferers and loved ones.

9. Reassurance, Boundaries, and Family Education

• Compulsions and Relationships:

  “When we're compulsing and looking for reassurance... it tends to sort of... chip away and erode relationships... the educational component with friends and family is equal to the sufferer's understanding.” (18:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the film’s reception

  “People were just raising their hand and just... sharing their own personal testimonials and experiences... with a lot of emotion. It was an incredibly emotionally impactful experience.” — Dylan (01:04, 04:06)

• On finding creative purpose in OCD

  “When I allow my OCD to sort of feast on all of that creative material, it’s a very positive thing... I leave it feeling very fulfilled and feel very good.” — Dylan (09:45)

• On family understanding

  “It's not just for the people getting diagnosed, but... for the loved ones trying to understand it too. I think it's a very difficult illness for friends and family to understand what people are going through.” — Dylan (05:39)

• On mainstream media’s role

  “Having mainstream media representation is incredibly important... there’s also a lot of space for films like ours that can hopefully be entertaining but can also maybe leave you with a bit of an understanding.” — Dylan (15:47)

• On isolation and invisible illness

  “Especially with a film that's about an invisible illness... It's just really hard... to find that community, to see that representation.” — Dylan (17:37)

Important Timestamps

• [01:04] – Dylan describes the audience reactions during the film’s first screening
• [04:06-05:28] – Dylan shares his intent and challenges with making the film
• [05:39] – The film’s impact on sufferers and family members
• [08:28-09:45] – Dylan’s advice to creative individuals with OCD
• [11:35-12:23] – Dylan’s moment of vulnerability and the role of support systems
• [13:23] – Impact of group therapy and community
• [14:56] – Hopes for mainstream OCD advocacy
• [17:37] – On the importance of showing the “system” and invisible illness
• [18:51] – How OCD can erode relationships and why family education is critical
• [21:38] – Where to find the film and connect with Dylan

Where to Watch & How to Connect

• "Pure O" is streaming on Tubi and available for rent on major platforms like Prime and Apple.
• Instagram: pure_o_movie

  “People can reach out there and somebody will find it, I'm sure. And we can stay in touch.” (21:38)

Final Takeaway

Dylan Tucker’s journey with "Pure O" exemplifies how personal struggle can become creative fuel and a force for societal change. The film offers a nuanced, deeply human portrayal of OCD, creating room for connection and understanding within families, communities, and among fellow creatives. Most of all, it’s a rallying cry for more honest stories, more visible representation, and open dialogue about mental health—especially the kinds we can't always see.