WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
What is it to be counseled? Or is more about being consoled? During times in our lives that we are made to face hardships, whether past or present, we often wish to turn to that listening ear outside of our immediate circle to be granted some measure of ease or comfort. However, would we ever consider the toll it might take on those whose position it is to assuage our own unsettledness? It is the time of COVID-19, and for therapist Dr. Peter Marcus (Timothy J. Cox), it’s become about sessions conducted online with clients like Caroline (Nancy Kellogg Gray), Jason (Matthew Harris), Sara (Becca Robinson), and Lincoln (Bob Rutan). But, in his efforts to bring aid to their needs, is there an actual cost he’s paying that could prove to be too much?
Next, my Mind:
The ravages of the virus known as COVID-19 continues to be a bane upon this world’s existence and the reality we once knew that’s been forever, seemingly inexorably, altered due to its ongoing spread and mutations. The stories of the front-line medical workers and all the truly heroic levels of fortitude they’ve had to muster, to points of utter exhaustion and danger to their own lives, has been both inspirational yet heartbreaking. However, do we also not realize just how this blight has also impacted those in differing fields of care for others and how it might weigh upon them as well, even as they have to put on the needed professional facade for the sake of their clients? This is the foundational gist of the nine-minute indie short film effort from writer/director/producer/editor/cinematographer Jamie Cox and hubby, writer/director/producer Timothy J. Cox, the latter of whom also stars in the project.
Carrying a potent level of realistic, emotionally-charged, wholly relevant, absolutely necessary truth within its abbreviated timeframe, the narrative takes us on an affecting journey encompassing a viewpoint of the COVID-19 crisis from the perspective of a therapist having to conduct his sessions with clients online rather than in person and the subsequent ramifications of this and the toll it is actually taking on HIM, not JUST his patients. Even as we’re privy to the chosen details or, at minimum, hinted-at traumas and trials these individuals are seeking counseling for, the underlying thematic tangents being presented certainly immerse us in a wide range of subjects from abuse, loss, the power of cherished but still painful memory, resentment, disappoint, seeking of self-absolution, reconciliation, gratitude, and anger. That last one in particular marks a specific turning point in the film’s events and leads to a finale that should more than remind us that those trying to help us through this chaotic time might need just as much help as we do.
Additionally, the concepts of self-worth, believing in one’s abilities, dealing with the more impersonal nature of trying to deeply connect with someone in need over a screen as opposed to in person, severe and debilitating doubts, and just attempting to grasp that anything we do means a thing are addressed with equally strong conviction, especially when understood in the context of the grander narrative. I fully applaud efforts like this, because I always like to feel it ideally will be an awareness-raising catalyst to a world that’s grown so overtly split and enraged that we lose sight of those who genuinely are in desperate longing for mental health aid (much less for any other issues), INCLUDING those who ARE trying to BE that voice of comfort and encouragement, as is all portrayed wonderfully in this film throughout. Regardless of what camp you’re in as far as COVID-19 itself, what remains conclusively, undeniably true is the strain placed upon these medical professionals on all levels and skillsets. THEIR well-being is JUST as paramount.
What amazes me at this point is that this short is the thirty-sixth (!!) film I have had the opportunity to screen and review that’s involved the incredibly prolific, always entertaining, forever multi-faceted, immensely talented character actor Cox, who has more than effectively proven he can cover, basically, ANY kind of role thrown his way. Here is, not at ALL surprisingly, no exception to this ongoing rule as the actor’s dramatic chops are flexed with his trademark use-of-understated-delivery-that-leaves-an-impression style via the role of Dr. Marcus, a therapist facing the persistent obstacle of COVID-19 in having to try and be a force for good to clients over the computer screen instead of in person. Even as we see his client sessions unfold, it becomes more and more evident the substantially palpable burden he feels while listening to them, their plights, and consequences of actions taken he suggested is now overwhelming, even detrimental, to his own sense of purpose.
Having potentially reached a breaking point, it’s a choice that must be made to assuage his inner battle. Throughout, I simply relish the fact that Cox brings about such a firmly grounded yet so blatantly poignant depiction of the sheer amount of responsibility, anxiety, questioning, and need for release the character is feeling, and the ability TO bring this to bear without being conspicuously melodramatic has always been a strength the actor possesses, and it is showcased fantastically here from start to finish. It is part of an ongoing consistency Cox presents in his films, a complete credit to his abilities that still continue to expand. The primary supporting cast features Nancy Kellogg Gray, Matthew Harris, Becca Robinson, and Bob Rutan as Dr. Marcus’ respective clients Caroline, Jason, Sara, and Lincoln, and each of whom do a totally solid job in how they each provide us a portrait of their character’s struggles that Dr. Marcus has been trying to assist them with, with apparently varying degrees of success, one of whom has major reservations.
The final supporting appearance is from Heidi Swarthout, playing a highly key factor that brings the story full circle and ends it with its beautifully orchestrated, entirely plausible conclusion. So, in total, “Live Health” is, in this critic’s opinion, one of those compulsory short films that needs to be seen, pondered, and taken seriously for the tribute it pays to those in the medical fields having to stress, toil, persevere, and go above and beyond to aid us in our battles with the current atmosphere while also understanding the actuality that THEY themselves could very much be in need of direct, wholehearted uplifting assurance that what they are providing is, indeed, live health to the betterment of not ONLY us, but hopefully for themselves as well.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
