Alive & Well

Alive & Well is a life-affirming documentary that strikingly traverses the realms of human emotion, struggle and hope. Directed by Josh Taft, this 2013 film offers a poignant look into the world of those battling certain hereditary diseases. The movie doesn't focus on the scientists or doctors but instead zeroes in on the patients themselves, turning the spotlight onto seven individuals diagnosed with debilitating, life-shortening ailments.

Using an array of footage, from home videos to location shots, the film brings us right into their everyday world, providing a raw and impactful human narrative. This feature-length documentary is more than just a tale of human survival or medical wonder, it's a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, its capacity to weather immense storm while retaining a measure of hope, resilience, and solidarity.

In the center of the focus are Trey Grey, Michael Hayden, Charles Sabine, among others, each having to grapple with conditions such as Huntington's disease, a progressive brain disorder; Friedreich's Ataxia, a debilitating, life-shortening degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, and others. They hail from different walks of life yet share common bonds- a terminal disease and an unwillingness to give in without a fight.

Trey Grey, an accomplished drummer, uses music as both a creative outlet and a mechanism to cope with Huntington’s disease. Charles Sabine, a former war correspondent for NBC, gives a face and voice to the story of the fight against Huntington’s, lending his public platform to advocate for research and awareness.

The story of Michael Hayden, a world-renowned Huntington's researcher, adds another layer to the narrative. The irony has it; he is genetically predisposed to the disease he fights against in laboratories, having lost family members to it. His personal mission to find a cure for the very thing that threatens him and his family adds a sense of urgency and pathos to the film narrative.

The tensions between acceptance, hope, despair, and defiance are woven throughout the stories of these individuals, with their personal trials becoming a testament to the indomitability of the human spirit. The flim gives viewers a close look at the never-ending human struggle that goes beyond mere survival, focusing on the more profound nuances of living with diseases that also affect families, caregivers and friends.

The honest and touching interviews, as well as the deeply personal narratives, create emotional resonance with the film audience. Taft skillfully captures these moments, immersing us in their lives as they grapple with their medical conditions.

Alive & Well does a remarkable job highlighting the dual nature of its subject: the deprivation that such diagnoses can impose and the profound nature of life with such conditions. Yet, it equally illuminates the invincible determination of human spirit to carry on 'Alive and Well', hence the title.

However, what sets Alive & Well apart is how it addresses the subject matter without resorting to heavy-handed tugs at the viewer's heartstrings. The struggles of these seven individuals aren't presented as a plea for pity, but rather an affirmation of resilience, providing viewers with an intimate look at their journeys marked by courage.

The film can serve as an inspiring watch for anyone dealing with difficult life circumstances, providing a reaffirming message to never give up despite adversities. It shows the power of human connection and the wealth of strength individuals can draw from their families, their passions, their damning diagnoses, and ultimately from within themselves.

Their stories are interspersed with beautiful shots of nature, animals, and everyday life, partially serving as a metaphor for the continuous cycle of existence, the ups and downs, the trials, and triumphs. This visual contrast draws attention to the normality of their lives despite health challenges, further underlining the notion of resilience.

Alive & Well is an honest portrait of people navigating hardship with grace. It urges viewers to connect at a fundamentally human level with the film's protagonists, invoking empathy, understanding, and admiration. What makes this documentary so remarkable is the extraordinary courage, resilience, and humanity of ordinary people in the face of huge adversities. It is a tribute to the human spirit, its unwavering resilience, and the power of hope, and a compelling reminder of how life continues to go on- Alive & Well.