Griefwalker

Griefwalker is an evocative and thought-provoking documentary that was released in 2008, centering around the intriguing figure of Stephen Jenkinson. The film delves into the complex and, often times, avoided themes of death, dying, and grief, offering an unusual and profound perspective that challenges the conventional Western attitudes towards these universal aspects of life.

This feature-length documentary, envisioned and brought to life by award-winning director Tim Wilson, immerses the viewer in the unique worldview of Stephen Jenkinson, a Harvard-educated theologian, renowned public speaker, and author. What sets Jenkinson apart as the central character of the documentary is his unique and unconventional interpretation of death and grief. As opposed to treating death as an abstract concept to be feared or defeated, Jenkinson advocates for a more holistic and accepting understanding of mortality.

An experienced and tireless worker in the death industry, Stephen Jenkinson has spent his life serving others at the most critical junctures in their lives. His work has included serving as the program director in a major Canadian hospital, the coordinator of palliative care and counseling services for dying people, and their families. He's seen firsthand the fear, denial, and despair that often accompanies terminal diagnoses, and has pondered deeply about the ways our society handles -- or fails to handle -- death and dying.

Jenkinson's philosophy, demonstrated vividly and vividly in Griefwalker, is that facing and embracing death, instead of denying it, empowers individuals to live fuller and more meaningful lives. For him, grief is not a condition to be overcome but rather an immensely profound acknowledgement of the heavy weight of mortality and a testament to love in the face of transience. Grief, in his view, is not a pathology but a deep and essential human experience that should be respected and embraced.

Throughout the movie, the viewers get to take part in Jenkinson's teaching sessions through his interviews, discussions, and vivid narrations. They accompany him to deathbeds where he does his profound work, engaging with him as he advocates for death literacy and offering insights into the human capacity for wisdom in the face of mortality.

His work is not without controversy. His poignant messages often agitate desires for easy comfort and evoke questions about the ethics of his approach. However, that's just what he wants: to challenge the status quo, to make people question, and to stimulate conversations around the difficult truths of life and death.

A prevalent theme within Griefwalker is the critique of the denial of death that is so characteristic of Western culture. The film critiques the commonplace trend of medicalizing and resisting death at all costs. It questions the wisdom of a culture that focuses on prolonging life but neglects the reality of death, thereby often leading to a lack of preparation when mortality is imminent.

Griefwalker is an aesthetically striking film that captures the natural beauty of rural Ontario, where Jenkinson lives and works. This landscape mirrors the raw and unvarnished presentation of death. The documentary's visuals are imbued with a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, interwoven with folklore, symbolism, and memorable conversations. Combined with thought-provoking dialogues and reflections, the film creates an experience that is both intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually enriching.

In conclusion, Griefwalker is not merely a film about death, but a deep exploration of life, love, grief, and the human capacity for dealing with loss. It invites viewers to confront what they think they know about life's inevitable end, and to consider whether there is a more compassionate, respectful, and courageous way to approach it. This movie offers a transformative journey that is intensely personal yet universally relevant, making it a must-see for anyone who seeks to understand the intricate dance between life and death in a new light.