Once Is Enough

Once Is Enough is a 2020 eye-opening documentary, narrative-feature fusion directed by Paul Csige, featuring Amy Bethards, Jeffrey James Binney, and Amy Currie. The film is a poignant biography that throws light on the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of an ordinary man who embarks on an extraordinary journey to overcome personal loss and challenge self-imposed boundaries. Jeffrey James Binney, who also served as the writer, narrates his own life through this candid portrait of his self-transformation from a pessimistic, overweight comedian dwelling in Los Angeles to a lean ultra-marathon runner.

In an intensely personal chronicle of grief and endurance, Binney takes us through his struggles after losing his mother to obesity-induced heart disease. The tragedy forcibly shoves him out of his comfort zone, prompting him to reassess his life, values, and goals. It’s a wake-up call that leads him on a journey to change not just his physical state, but also his relationship with himself and his perception of life. He makes a radical choice to honor his mother's memory in an extreme, intense way: by devoting himself to run a 100-mile ultra-marathon in the rugged terrains of Colorado.

Steering away from dramatized, flashy makeover montages, the film focuses on the raw, authentic realities of Binney's transformation journey. His struggles - both physical and mental - are felt through moments of pleasure, pain, exhaustion, elation, and despair. The narrative beautifully captures the blend of emotions -- humorous, heartbreaking, uplifting and even absurd at times – without shying away from the gut-wrenching reality of pushing one’s body and mind to their absolute limits.

The film also depicts Binney's earthy charm as a stand-up comedian in LA. Comedy, in many ways, is a lens to explore his unique perspectives on life, loss, identity, and food addiction. His humor is disarming, deep, vulnerable, and brings a distinct richness to the narrative. It becomes the thread that weaves the different facets of his journey together, making the ordeal relatable and accessible, even to those unfamiliar with the harsh realities of extreme sports.

Amy Bethards and Amy Currie bring additional layers to the film. Bethards, Binney's trainer, brings her own brand of grit, determination, and tough love to the story. Firmly invested in his journey, she is both a coach and a friend, guiding him through the insurmountable challenges of high-altitude running, battling injury, brutal training regimens, and temperamental weather conditions. Currie, a co-runner, offers her unique perspective on the toughness and camaraderie in the world of ultra-marathons, drawing the audience further into the world Binney aspires to be part of.

Once Is Enough is more than just an athlete's journey or a comedy narrative. It's an exploration of the human soul, resiliency, and the ability to change one's path despite pain, anguish, and self-doubt. It portrays the stark reality of Binney's grim situationpost losing his mother and fighting his own battle with weight issues, fear, and insecurity.

The film's profound message is in its quiet moments: hope springs from the darkest corners; strength is built through vulnerability; laughter heals; and most importantly, the human spirit is indefatigable. Genuinely touching and disarmingly sincere, the story compels viewers to reflect on their limits and how imperative it is to sometimes cross them for our own healing.

Once Is Enough does not limit itself as a typical heartwarming tale—it grips the heart and bares it raw, pushing the notion of everyday resilience, strength, and transformation to hard-hitting reality. Its realness, charm, and inspiration lie in its honest portrayal of a common man's extraordinary courageous journey to combat personal demons and hike a tough path towards an unimaginable physical feat.

Through the film, a metamorphic journey of an individual is revealed; it explores the depths of human endurance, making us laugh, cry, and cheer for the protagonist throughout his challenges. A must-watch for those who seek to understand resilience, courage, and the raw tenacity of the human spirit, Once Is Enough redefines the concept of transformative journeys, making us question and reassess our own limitations and potential.