The Sensitives

The Sensitives is a 2017 documentary film that explores the lives of people who are afflicted by a condition called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Directed by Drew Xanthopoulos, the film sheds light on the struggles of MCS sufferers and the challenges they face on a daily basis.

The film introduces us to Joe and Lanie Fasulo, a couple who live in a remote area in rural Maine. Joe, a former builder, was diagnosed with MCS several years ago, and Lanie, his wife, has also developed the condition. The couple is forced to live in a small trailer with no running water or electricity, as they cannot tolerate the chemicals and electromagnetic fields produced by modern technology.

The Sensitives also follows the story of Meg Fasulo, Joe and Lanie's daughter, who also suffers from MCS. Meg is a talented musician who dreams of pursuing a career in music, but her condition makes it almost impossible for her to perform in public spaces. The film shows her struggles as she tries to find a place where she can play music without being exposed to the chemicals and pollutants that trigger her condition.

The film also introduces us to other MCS sufferers, like Susan Molloy, who had to leave her job as a teacher due to her condition, and Fay Akers, who lives in a makeshift hut in the woods because she cannot tolerate living in a conventional home.

Through the stories of these individuals, the film highlights the devastating impact of MCS on people's lives. They are unable to perform everyday activities most people take for granted, like shopping at a supermarket, visiting a doctor's office, or attending a social gathering. They are forced to isolate themselves and live in extreme conditions to avoid the harmful chemicals and pollutants that trigger their condition.

The Sensitives also throws light on the controversy surrounding MCS, with some doctors questioning whether it is a real condition or a psychological disorder. The film features interviews with medical experts and researchers who have studied MCS, exploring the science behind this condition and the potential causes that may have led to its emergence.

Overall, The Sensitives is a thought-provoking and compassionate documentary that sheds light on a little-known condition that affects thousands of people around the world. It highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and support for those suffering from MCS and the importance of creating safe and healthy environments for all people to live and work in.