Unrest (2017 film)

Unrest 2017 poster

Unrest is a 2017 American documentary film directed and produced by Jennifer Brea. The film explores the personal journey of Brea battling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). It delves into the lives of several individuals from around the globe who are also suffering from this debilitating illness. Unrest is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by those with ME/CFS, a condition often misunderstood by the medical community and society at large.

Synopsis

Unrest begins with Jennifer Brea's story, a Harvard Ph.D. student about to marry the love of her life when she is struck down by a fever that leaves her bedridden. When doctors tell her it's "all in her head," Brea turns her camera on herself and others living with ME/CFS. The documentary is a mixture of personal vlog-like entries and stories from other patients, which together paint a comprehensive picture of the impact of ME/CFS on individuals' lives. Through her lens, Brea exposes the hidden world of millions confined to their homes, facing a condition that is often invisible to others.

Production

Jennifer Brea, who was diagnosed with ME/CFS, directed Unrest as a way to cope with her illness and to shed light on the condition. The film was largely crowdfunded, with a significant portion of its budget raised through a Kickstarter campaign. Brea's condition made traditional filmmaking impossible, so she adapted her methods to work from her bed, using Skype and other remote communication tools to direct much of the film.

Reception

Unrest received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its honest and raw portrayal of life with ME/CFS. It won the Special Jury Prize for Editing at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017 and was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film has been instrumental in raising awareness about ME/CFS, contributing to the ongoing conversation about the need for more research and better treatment options for those affected.

Impact

Beyond its success on the film festival circuit, Unrest has had a significant impact on the ME/CFS community and beyond. It has been used as an educational tool in medical schools and by healthcare professionals to better understand the patient experience of ME/CFS. The film has also sparked discussions about the broader issues of medical disbelief and the marginalization of those with chronic, invisible illnesses.

See Also

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Documentary film
• Jennifer Brea
• Sundance Film Festival