Casa Vita

Casa Vita is a 2016 drama film that stars Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Lindsey Morgan, and Esai Morales. Directed by Ernie Barbarash and written by Barbara Kymlicka, the movie tells the story of a young man who finds himself in a dilemma after his plans of becoming a professional footballer get shattered, and he heads to his hometown to take stock of his future prospects.

The film revolves around the life of Joseph, played by Jean-Luc Bilodeau, a young athlete who has been pursuing his dreams of becoming a professional football player in Italy. Joseph has all the talent that a footballer can possess, and he has worked hard to get where he is. However, his world comes crashing down when he is suddenly released from his team and left without a job.

Feeling lost and disconnected from everything that he had known, Joseph heads back to his hometown to take stock of his life. However, things are not as easy as he had hoped, and finding it hard to adjust to his surroundings, Joseph is forced to take on a job at Casa Vita, a hospice for terminally ill patients.

It is at Casa Vita that Joseph meets the determined and caring nurse, Laura, played by Lindsey Morgan. She is the one that takes him under her wing and introduces him to the patients, who are significantly different from anyone he has ever met. Initially, Joseph is reluctant to take the job, but as he starts moving through the hospice, he finds that he has a natural gift for connecting with the patients, providing them with comfort while finding his own sense of purpose.

Esai Morales plays the role of Miguel, Joseph's best friend, who is there to support him as he tries to find his feet in his hometown. Miguel is also the reason why Joseph is hesitant to commit to his job at Casa Vita. He believes that Joseph's future is in football and that this is just a temporary distraction.

As Joseph spends time at Casa Vita, he begins to realize that there is a lot more to life than just playing football. He finds himself increasingly invested in the well-being of the patients and connects emotionally with each one of them. As he spends more time at the hospice, Joseph realizes that the hopelessness he felt when he first arrived has been replaced with a sense of purpose that he had never felt before.

Casa Vita is a heartwarming drama that offers a unique perspective on the current state of the health care industry. The film highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and genuine care for others, even when they are living their final moments.

The performances of the cast are exceptional, especially Jean-Luc Bilodeau, who portrays the character of Joseph with sincerity and vulnerability. His transition from a self-centered athlete, seemingly only focused on his career, to an empathetic caregiver is gripping and beautifully portrayed.

Lindsey Morgan, who plays the role of Laura, the hospice caretaker, also gives a fantastic performance. Her character's unwavering dedication to the patients, despite the challenges she faces, serves as a reminder of the importance of humanity in healthcare.

Esai Morales, who plays the role of Miguel, Joseph's best friend, supports Bilodeau's portrayal of Joseph with a solid performance. While his character is not as detailed as Joseph's or Laura's, Morales manages to add gravitas to the story and provides a good supporting element to the narrative.

Overall, Casa Vita is a charming and heartwarming film that will make viewers think about life and mortality in a new light. It's a story about finding purpose, redefining one's goals and priorities, and discovering the importance of genuine human connections. The film is well-scripted, well-acted, and has a heartfelt story that makes it a valuable contribution to the genre of drama.