Unrest (2017)

Unrest: Directed by Jennifer Brea. With Jennifer Brea, Omar Wasow, Jessica l e Taylor, Samuel Bearman. When Harvard Ph.D. student Jennifer Brea is struck down by a fever that leaves her bedridden, she sets out on a virtual journey to document her story as she fights a disease that medicine forgot.

“There were so many times during this film that I cried. Itu0026#39;s not just about Brea and her husband; there are several other ME/CFS patients you get familiar with, all unique and relateable people. You get to see the variety of ME life. Not just who they are now but who they used to be when they were free to design their life as they wanted. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s never directly stated but the contrast of old home movies of the patients and voiceovers about scepticism… clearly these people were happy u0026amp; driven before they got sick. They donu0026#39;t look like people who were headed to a nervous breakdown or other hypochondria. They seem to be energetic, driven, happy people. The idea that ME is a psychosomatic issue is shown to be nonsense.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs a spoonie I laughed to recognize a dozen or so u0026quot;miracle curesu0026quot; Brea tries that Iu0026#39;ve tried too. Awkward moments she had that Iu0026#39;ve had too (and felt like I was the only weirdo on earth to go through it). For anyone with chronic illness itu0026#39;s a validating movie, seeing that weu0026#39;re not alone.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI think this movie would be a great way for someone who is acquainted with a spoonie but not close enough to them to see their 24/7 life. Cousins, coworkers, classmates… this could help them understand. I think it would be a great addition to any class on disability discrimination, like to teach medical professionals or social workers to put themselves in the shoes of a sick person.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBrea and her guy are a very sweet couple, heartwarmingly devoted. And theyu0026#39;re very educated u0026amp; charming u0026amp; good looking. Itu0026#39;s easy to watch them discuss their life. The message of the film may be a downer but these folks and their friends are so lovable itu0026#39;s actually mostly pleasant to spend the time u0026quot;withu0026quot; them. Please donu0026#39;t avoid this movie because you think it will be depressing. Itu0026#39;s a fascinating and exciting show, packed with information and very intimate moments. What I was left with was respect for the disabled, desire to see justice for those abandoned by the healthcare system (the research budget for ME is ridiculously small compared to other less life-ruining illnesses!!)… I feel stronger and more motivated to be a good citizen, after watching this. Not depressed, inspired.”