Mimi and Dona

Mimi and Dona is a heartrending and deeply personal 2014 documentary by Sophie Sartain. This raw and emotional depiction offers an intimate glimpse into the intricate world of caregiving, developmental disabilities and aging. Sartain paints a vivid picture of intertwined lives through her exploration of the relationship between her grandmother Mimi and Mimi's intellectually and developmentally disabled adult daughter, Dona.

At first glance, Mimi and Dona is simply a documentary about an elderly mother, Mimi Thornton, who lives with her intellectually disabled 64-year-old daughter, Dona Thornton, in Texas. However, upon deeper reflection, it examines highly pertinent societal issues such as the challenges and dilemmas faced by caregivers on an everyday basis, the absence of suitable resources and support systems for the elderly, and the complex world of individuals living with disabilities.

One of the major themes this film explores is the innate bond and commitment of a mother's love for her child. Mimi, who is at the ripe age of 92, has single-handedly dedicated her life to caring for Dona after her divorce. Dona, who was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at a young age, is vivacious and endearing, with a special love for radio songs and stuffed animals. Together, they form a tight-knit pair, their lives seamlessly intertwined.

The film exhibits an exemplary level of intimacy that's possible due to Sophie Sartain's connection to the subjects: Mimi is Sartain's grandmother and Dona is her aunt. Sartain’s exploration doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities and complications of their relationship. She films the pair up close and personal, effectively creating a space that feels less like a documentary and more like an immersive journey into the subjects' everyday life.

However, this narrative takes a dramatic turn when it becomes evident that Mimi's failing health will inevitably result in the fracturing of the mother-daughter duo. Faced with the pressing issue of Mimi's mortality, the family is thrown into the complex, often rushed process of finding a new home for Dona. This wrenching decision sets the stage for the film's in-depth examination of the societal systems and facilities available (or, as it often appears, not available) to adults living with intellectual disabilities.

Mimi and Dona compellingly portrays the lack of options for mentally disabled senior adults. It brings forth the insufficiencies in community living centers where such individuals are often placed post their caregiver's death. Overcrowded facilities, improperly trained staff, and less than ideal living conditions are some of the distressing realities that Sartain uncovers in her quest for Dona’s new home.

Sartain manages to seamlessly blend her personal narrative with a broader commentary on current societal norms and inadequacies. She effortlessly captures the dynamics of her family's relationships, the unique bond between Mimi and Dona, and the harsh realities of aging and disability.

Boasting a narrative that is both personal and universal, Mimi and Dona is an undeniably thought-provoking exploration of the challenges that caregivers and disabled individuals face. Sartain draws viewers into this deeply emotional journey, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable question – what happens to our loved ones with disabilities when we're no longer there to provide for them?

The documentary further humanizes the often dehumanizing conversation around intellectual disabilities. Dona, far from being shown as nothing more than a subject of pity or an object of care, is portrayed as a complete individual with likes, dislikes, and a vibrant personality. We witness her joy in simple things, her love for her mother, and her confusion and sadness as her world begins to change. Sartain's film ensures we see Dona, not just her disability.

Mimi and Dona is not just a story of one mother and one daughter; instead, it reveals the universal predicament of caregivers and their fears about what will happen to their loved ones when they're gone. Powered by Sartain's uncompromising honesty and her grandmother and aunt's audacious spirits, the film compels you to reflect, sympathize, and most of all, understand a little bit more about a world that's rarely seen or discussed.