WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Enfeebled. A state of being no one longs for. When finding ourselves in a circumstance that causes a physically impaired reality, it can not only weigh upon us heavily, but also influence the accompanying mindset we then endure. Additionally, we also experience the effect it can have on those closest to us, the ones who perhaps have involuntarily become caretakers for our condition, and witness the potential frustrations that ensue. In this instance, however, can those who aid us find a new level of fortitude to make the most of it not only for their sake, but our own as well? Suffering from a debilitating bout with rheumatoid arthritis, Rebecca (Amanda Shafer) has only her young daughter Ainsley (Ashley Galletta) for both companionship and assistance. Seeing the growing discontent in Ainsley having to be so burdened, it becomes a journey for them both to find a mutually beneficial means to bond while also overcoming the world’s still existing prejudices.
Next, my Mind:
Twelve minutes. Such a short timespan to relay an affecting, bold, and necessary message, resonate deeply within a person’s being, and leave a lasting impression that can change mindsets and bring better awareness to the human condition, perhaps even a needed, empathetic awakening to just how fortunate we are to not face daunting challenges that others might while offering unwavering support and love to those that do. This is what is accomplished and shines forth for this critic courtesy of the newest short film effort from writer/director Rikki Stinnette, producer Dallas White, executive producers Pamela Banas and Heather Umberger, and associate producers Rick Kelvin Branch, Owen Palmiotti, and Abby Raetz. It stands as further testament to what can be achieved through the medium of short film storytelling, and it is potent.
Based on true events, the core of the narrative focusing on a mother and her young daughter having to endure the ongoing obstacles that come from someone suffering acute rheumatoid arthritis is a rather blunt, even harsh, illustration of the realities that accompany such an overtly debilitating condition, especially as seen through the eyes of a child who’s just desperate to BE a child, all while having to display a level of maturity and understanding far beyond her years, wishing her mother to get well. Yet, the tale equally places the burden of responsibility on the shoulders of the mother, who has no choice but to feel that weight of guilt that such a task of being cared for has fallen on her daughter, watching all the situations a kid wants to be free to do being taken away in so many respects, ushering in a painful longing to just be “normal” for the sake of her child.
However, even as events unfold that see the building frustrations, anger, pressures, and even resentment coming to a boil, there suddenly enters a perspective-altering moment while the two are out at a local grocery store that shifts the entire tone and emphasis of the film and turns it into a wonderfully whimsical, cathartic, and wholly fulfilling new direction and journey for the pair. Not only does this allow for a healing to occur, but it also points a revealing spotlight on the specter of prejudice and, frankly, ignorance that has managed to crawl its way back into our society’s mentality towards anyone who’s deemed “abnormal”. The utilization of humor (at the intelligently witty expense of other store patrons) to ultimately address this, though, is what gives the film its stirring emotional foundation and reminds us of not just the basic value of a lighthearted outlook, but also that in the grand scheme of things, there are so many things in life we take for granted from a sense of “inconvenience” rather than opportunity to learn and grow.
Shafer offers a beautifully realistic portrayal of pain, both physical and mental, through her role as Rebecca, a mother struck effectively helpless by severe rheumatoid arthritis, struggling to still maintain a sense of self-identity and adult control while at the same time needing to be nurtured through the needs that arise due to her affliction. Watching as she has to face the ongoing actualities of her own daughter having to play caretaker is heartbreaking, as we see how much Rebecca would wish that all would BE normal so that both her and her daughter could enjoy what life could offer them to so many more fulfilling degrees. Yet, the moment of real connections that manifests at the store heralds a new step in Rebecca’s relationship with her child, and it’s so subtle but moving, lending complete believability to the moment, and Shafer embodies it with grace and poise.
I constantly say it and find I must once more–I am impressed by child actors and the levels of skill and realism they bring to roles. No exception to this shall be made in the case of Galletta as Ainsley, a young girl who finds herself both sympathetic to yet blatantly trapped by her mother’s devitalizing condition. Experiencing situations that are both heartwarming then almost eerily cold when it comes to the perspective she wrestles with daily, all while seeing so many examples around her of how she wishes things could truly be, Ainsley starts to crumble under the stress and even hopelessness for normality until a chance incident in the grocery while with her mom wakes her up to a newfound purpose and desire for understanding that propels her to take action and witness a transformation to their bond as mother and daughter. It’s simply touching and so impactful, with Galletta drawing you in as the viewer with innocent, poignant charm yet wonderful maturity as mentioned above, and it is a credit to a young actor with a bright future.
Supporting roles arrive from Michael Ellison, Laura Larrimore, Nicole Galletta, Judy Go Wong, Noah Yablonsky, Lincoln Umberger, Terri Wolfe, Mj Leonard, Easton White, Gabriella Wolfe, Nash Umberger, Ginevra Bales, Danielle White, Katherine Bales, Margaret Bales, Carolyn Bales, and even the film’s head honcho, Rikki Stinnette. So, in total, this delightfully executed, smartly written, highly necessary film becomes a reminder of the preciousness of time spent with those we love, having an attitude and viewpoint that life may not always be fair, but can still be fulfilling in all the little things we can selflessly do to remain connected and supportive of someone treasured, and gain new respect for what those facing challenges are experiencing. May we as people forever strive anew to present love, understanding, empathy, and all other qualities towards one another that keep us in step with what we ALL are–human.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
I was fortunate o see this film at the Cabin Fever Film festival last weekend. I agree this film is so well done and needed even more today than when it was written. We need more empathy, understanding and kindness.