Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities is a thought-provoking 2013 movie directed by Susan Abod. Challenging traditional norms of filmmaking and documentary storytelling, the film guides its audience through the deeply personal journey of those living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). It is Susan's first-hand account, magnifying the unique and often misunderstood world of those suffering from this condition, an unrecognized chronic illness affecting a section of the global population.

The film opens with a dynamic and authentic introduction to Abod’s life, showing her day-to-day struggles as she navigates through a world filled with allergens that are harmless to many but cause severe reactions to her health. Susan's personal narrative serves as a relatable anchor point, adding an intimate dimension to the whole spectrum of issues surronding MCS.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Homesick does not merely stand as a depiction of an individual’s experience. Abod bridges her personal journey with the broader experiences of other people suffering from MCS. She journeys across the United States, offering a platform to other individuals who are living under similar circumstances, essentially making them co-narrators of the film.

The movie diligently presents its viewers with an understanding of what it means to live with MCS. It encapsulates the ongoing struggles of finding safe housing, the distress of improving one’s health while mitigating allergenic substances, and the relentless quest to be heard and understood by the medical community and society alike.

Characterized by its empathetic storytelling, Homesick focalizes the human aspect of the individuals who feature in the documentary rather than just their illness. It provides an opportunity for us to witness their resilience, their joys and sorrows, their hopes and disappointments, and their incredible optimism in maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst it all.

On a larger scale, Abod exposes the distance between those who live with a chronic illness like MCS and those who are otherwise healthy. This includes the medical industry, bureaucracies, and the general public, whose beliefs and attitudes often create unseen barriers for those living with such conditions.

Simultaneously, Homesick places a spotlight on the environmental hazards caused by the unchecked proliferation of synthetic chemicals in the consumer markets. By sharply emphasizing these social and environmental factors, the documentary gives a broader perspective on MCS, transforming it from a singular health struggle into a larger commentary about modern society and lifestyle.

The diverse characters that filter in and out of this movie bring forward a multitude of perspectives, emphasizing the heterogeneous nature of the MCS experience. They also highlight the universal aspects – the struggle for acceptance, the craving for harmony with their health and the environment, and the yearning to live their lives just as normally as anybody else would wish to do.

The movie employs conventional documentary storytelling elements mingled with a generous dose of heart and emotion. The cinematography is effective, almost poetically capturing mundane life scenes that take on a larger significance in the context of the narrative. The sound design subtly bolsters the visual storytelling, never intruding but gently supporting the poignant moments and interviews.

One of the major accomplishments of Homesick is its ability to foster empathy and understanding. Through Susan Abod's courageous journey, coupled with the heartfelt testimonies shared by individuals along the way, the audience gains a sense of profound appreciation and respect for those living with MCS.

In doing so, Homesick becomes more than just a film on MCS. It instigates conversations about chronic illnesses, the toxicity of our environments and the necessary changes needed in societal attitudes.

Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities ultimately is not a movie steeped in despair; rather, it awakens a sense of shared responsibility, a call to action for a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society. It leaves its viewers with a lasting impression that when such chronic illnesses are seen and understood by the larger populace, the world could indeed become a better place for everyone to live.