Watch this when
Unrest
If no one believed you, this one's for you. Your pain doesn't need permission to be real.
Who it's for
People with poorly understood chronic illness often face disbelief from doctors and loved ones, which adds grief and isolation to the illness itself.
Hopeless→Validated
Feelings it meets
What it is
Unrest is a 2017 documentary directed by Jennifer Brea, who fell ill at 28, shortly before marrying Omar Wasow. After doctors dismissed her symptoms, she began filming herself and was eventually diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Where to find it
Aired on PBS Independent Lens; has been on Netflix; posted free on YouTube in 2023. Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.
Before you start
Heads up: Severe illness and forced psychiatric care.
Age: Not verified (suggested 13+)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers” (poem 314)
