This week I was contacted by Jennifer Brea about a movie she has done about living with ME/CFS. She asked if I would be willing to Screen the movie she had produced and then review it here. After looking into the Project I decided that I would be glad to preview the movie and provide a review of the project for all to read.

Unrest is centered around Jennifer Brea and her fight against Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), most commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She discusses how the condition has affected her life, about diagnosis and did many interviews. She interviewed others who also have the same diagnosis, Doctors who have worked with patients and the condition. As well as talking to her spouse about how she felt she wasn’t the spouse he deserves. This movie is SO relatable, there were so many times I caught myself say “Yes!” or nodding my head in agreement to what was being said. Its the most real and true Production I have ever seen. She shared more of her bad days, unlike other films who only talk about said BAD days. You became very invested in Jennifer and her friends also with CE/MFS. I cried with them when things didn’t go their way and cheered when they had good days. I recommend this movie to all with chronic illness, and their families. I also feel like it should be shown in nursing schools and Med School so those who will be providing care will actually know what this condition is and not treat those who have it like a person with a mental illness. I feel like everyone could learn something from this movies.

I am waiting to hear from Jennifer Brea as to when this will be out for all to see and also as to if I can do a little interview of her for you all. I will let you know when I know more. But be on the lookout for this in a theater near you. Below are some of the reviews that have been done of the movie. As well as the synopsis of the film written by Jennifer Brea or her team. And Below that is the link to YouTube so you can watch the trailer.

• “Astonishing”– BBC
• “Brilliant” – The Daily Telegraph
• “Riveting…equal parts medical mystery, science lesson, political advocacy primer and even a love story.” — San Francisco Chronicle
• “Remarkably intimate, deeply edifying and a stirring call to action…an existential exploration of the meaning of life.” — LA Times
• ★★★★★ “A sensitive, powerful documentary” that’s “compulsive viewing.” — BritFlicks
• “An intimate essay” that even feels like “a suspenseful thriller” and “packs a significant emotional punch.” — The Spectator
Synopsis:

Jennifer Brea is an active Harvard PhD student about to marry the love of her life when suddenly her body starts failing her. Hoping to shed light on her strange symptoms, Jennifer grabs a camera and films the darkest moments unfolding before her eyes as she is derailed by M.E. (commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), a mysterious illness some still believe is “all in your head.”

In this story of love and loss, newlyweds Jennifer and Omar search for answers as they face unexpected obstacles with great heart. Often confined by her illness to the private space of her bed, Jen is moved to connect with others around the globe. Utilizing Skype and social media, she unlocks a forgotten community with intimate portraits of four other families suffering similarly. Jennifer Brea’s wonderfully honest portrayal asks us to rethink the stigma around an illness that affects millions of people. Unrest is a vulnerable and eloquent personal documentary that is sure to hit closer to home than many could imagine.

Until you are able to watch the movie in full here is the trailer that has been released: 

I hope that if you are able to watch this movie that you gain as much from it as I did!!

Amber