Edith Eddie

Edith+Eddie is not what most may expect from a conventional feature film, but rather a compelling documentary that takes on a runtime of 29 minutes. Released in 2017, this heart-rending film is a product of the prominent American director, Laura Checkoway, and her extraordinary aptitude to tell stories that stir the soul.

Edith+Eddie tells the story of America's oldest interracial newlyweds. Edith Hill and Eddie Harrison come together in love despite their combined age of over 200. Edith, who is African American, is a 96-year-old woman, while Eddie, a Caucasian man, is two years her senior. The couple who is based in Virginia, met at a lottery ticket booth and fell irrevocably in love, which led them to tie the knot, leading lives filled with happiness and companionship. Their love story is so touching and remarkable that gossip they may have won the lottery by finding each other continually whips around them.

Yet, what begins as a heartfelt story, unraveling the awe-inspiring love between two souls who found each other late in life, puts forth a turn of events that delve into darker, more poignant realities of elder rights, guardianship, and family conflict. The true charm of this documentary lies in the bittersweet contrast that it portrays: on one side, a love that defies the boundaries set by age and race, and on the other, the contentious battles fought in courtrooms.

Checkoway highlights the couple's genuine affection for each other beautifully, through intimate moments of them dancing to a tune together, cherishing simple pleasures like feeding the birds, and the way they navigate their shared space. At the same time, she captures the escalating tension among their families regarding guardianship issues, a testament to the complex social nature of caring for America's aging population.

The film is also instrumental in exposing the often complex, bureaucratic nature of the American elder care system, and how it can sometimes be manipulated by individuals for their gain at the expense of the elderly. The frightening uncertainty faced by Edith+Eddie raises provocative questions about the way we treat our seniors, and the choices that are made on their behalf.

Edith+Eddie, through its intimate, candid-camera sequences, provides us with the raw reality of universal hardships that accompany aging. It is a comment on society's approach to elderly care, touching upon the challenges and dilemmas faced by those who age in our society, and those tasked with making life-altering decisions for them. Additionally, under the backdrop of such intense themes, the film also showcases the powerful, resilient spirit of love that Edith and Eddie share, portraying how it served as their sanctuary amidst impending uncertainties and trials.

The cinematography and editing of the documentary is equally impressive, combining simplicity, and an appropriate touch of dramatic irony that complements the storyline, setting the film apart. It's no surprise that the film would go on to garner a nomination at the 90th Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Subject. It adeptly mixes tender moments with hard realities, creating a blend of sweetness and tension that keeps audiences engrossed throughout its 29-minute spell.

Edith+Eddie exemplifies Checkoway's prowess at capturing the human condition on film. Never shying away from the uncomfortable or the poignant, she manages to encapsulate the essence of this extraordinary couple's relationship and the societal dilemmas that they inadvertently become caught up in. It is an emotional journey that manages to expose the audience to some harsh realities while also illuminating the enduring power of love and companionship.

In conclusion, Edith+Eddie provides a moving tale of love and companionship encased within a shocking and thought-provoking portrayal of elder rights controversies in the United States, making it more than just an ordinary story. Its significance lies in its incredibly human story that represents a broader commentary on enduring social issues.