Right from the start of the documentary, the plot won my heart, and I am sure it will yours as well. The film starts with Eddie Vedder’s concert at a song. Soon, we are told that the concerts he will be holding aren’t any ordinary ones. They are held to raise awareness about a disease called “Epidermolysis Bullosa” aka EB. The makers don’t leave us hanging and explain to us the meaning with the help of doctors and visuals. However, a documentary like this is best understood by the patients suffering from it. Through this documentary, we visually interact with the patients as well as their families. They tell us about their ordeals and experiences, and what their day-to-day life is like. Yes, Eddie Vedder’s concerts raised awareness, but this documentary is also instrumental in raising more awareness to a wider audience. For those of us who weren’t aware of it, we gained a lot of information by means of this documentary. What's best is that we get to hear Eddie Vedder’s concert live, and most of his songs are played well. A sense of urgency is also created with the scientists and medics racing against time to find a cure. But what brought all of us together was the music. Not only did it get those affected and those working in this area, but also us, the normal people who are watching this film.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Eddie Vedder, through this documentary, you will start enjoying his work as I did. What I also loved about the documentary was its execution. In no way did the makers make us think that there is no hope left at all. Yes, they show us what people undergo, but also a sense of hope is always there by way of music and medical people talking about it. That balanced approach is amazing to watch.
A big impression is made by Eddie Vedder’s concert, through which they are also trying to raise funds. We need celebrities like him who actually use their images for the greater good of society. His music captivates us all; at the same time, it is doing its work of raising awareness for those who need it. That captures the true power art has in this world. In between scenes, his music comes, followed by people who are associated with his campaign. It is amazing to watch. By the end of it, even you will start singing his songs.
Coming to the pacing, the pacing is even. As mentioned before, we are given a mix of both music and information blended with interviews and information. This ensures that we are never bombarded with extra information from any side and are entertained throughout the run time of the film. The transition that follows is smooth and definitely worth every scene.
Directed by Matt Finlin, the whole documentary is a masterpiece, and everyone should watch it. If you want to see and understand what hope really feels like, this is your chance to experience it firsthand from those who are living it every day, along with their families.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times