Coming to My Senses

Coming to My Senses is an inspiring documentary film directed by Dominic Gill and released in 2017. The movie presents an engrossing and heartwarming chronicle of the life and journey of Aaron Baker, who was once an affluent motocross athlete until an accident transformed his life altogether. The filmmakers have adeptly stitched together a tale of determination, hope, and the extraordinary human spirit using a rich tapestry of poignant dialogues, thoughtfully curated scenes, and heart-rending narratives.

The protagonist, Aaron Baker, is depicted as a powerhouse of optimism and courage, who doesn't let his life-altering condition of being paralyzed neck down deter his aspirations and zest for life. Before his motocross accident, Baker was a leading figure in the sport and was leading a dream life. However, faced with an almost insurmountable obstacle, he chose to rise above it and challenge the medical predictions that confined him to a lifetime of immobility.

After years of painstaking physical therapy and unwavering determination, Baker did what was thought to be impossible for a man with a spinal cord injury – he took his first steps again. His inspiring journey transcends physical boundaries as the film sheds light on his emotional journey premises, his relationships with family and friends, his struggle for recognition in professional life, and the spiritual transformation he undergoes in the process.

Coming to My Senses ornaments Aaron's extraordinary journey with a series of poignant moments, personal revelations, and the testimonials of the people who were there to witness it. It is a real-life testament to human resilience, the will to triumph over adversity, and the determination to overcome any physical limitation.

The film begins by walking you through Aaron's past life, his motocross career, and the crash that turned his world upside down. It gradually unravels his struggle and the grueling process of healing, both mentally and physically. Gill’s craft of storytelling is so nuanced and empathetically paced that even the documentary's most harrowing moments feel balanced with sparks of hope, strength, and positivity.

In cinematic terms, Coming to My Senses presents an elegant blend of narrative storytelling, interspersed with evocative vignettes, cinematically shot visuals, and hard-hitting dialogue sequences. The filmmakers have achieved a delicate balance between capturing the stark reality of Baker's situation and maintaining a respectful empathy towards the subject matter. The documentary also has a strong undercurrent of emotional depth to it, which resonates throughout, making the audience root for Baker's journey every step of the way.

The documentarians have also done a fantastic job with character development. Not just Aaron Baker, but even the people surrounding him, his mother Laquita Concienne, his physical therapist Taylor Kevin Isaacs, are showcased in a nuanced light. As the film progresses, the audience grows with these characters, sharing their triumphs, setbacks, joys, and sorrows, making the viewing experience incredibly immersive.

Aside from its engaging narrative, Coming to My Senses also explores the broader issues faced by those living with disabilities. It takes a deep dive into societal bias, the frustrating medical prognoses, the incredible difficulty, resilience, and determination required for living with a disability. It poses serious questions about societal norms, judgments, and the general apathy towards people with physical limitations.

But it's not all uphill struggle and introspection. The filmmakers have carefully interspersed moments of comedic relief, joy, and camaraderie. These lighter moments add a wholesome flavor to an otherwise intense documentary.

The cinematography of the documentary also deserves mention, with a large part of the film set in the picturesque outdoors, aiming to reflect Aaron's free spirit and love for the wilderness. Paired with a carefully chosen soundtrack, the imagery stirs many emotions in the viewer, making the movie a poignant and moving watch.

Coming to My Senses is not just a movie. It is an emotional ride that leaves viewers with a renewed perspective on life, pushing them to rethink what's possible and what it truly means to live fully. The story of Aaron Baker is a potent reminder of the human spirit's resilience and relentless fight in the face of adversity. It is an ode to human will, determination, and the pursuit of a life beyond mere existence.