Andy Irons: Kissed by God

Andy Irons: Kissed by God is a 2018 compelling documentary film that delves into the tumultuous life and times of world-renowned professional surfer Andy Irons, documenting his triumphant highs and devastating lows. Characterized by candid interviews and breathtaking footage of professional surfing, the film pays homage to this unrivaled sportsman while illustrating the battle with addiction that eventually claimed his life.

The film is directed by Todd Jones and Steve Jones, well-known for their work in creating dynamic sports documentaries that expertly blend emotion and athleticism. It features intimate interviews from those closest to Andy Irons, including insights from his younger brother and fellow professional surfer Bruce Irons and his wife Lyndie Irons. Renowned professional surfer Kelly Slater also contributes, shedding light on Andy's fierce competitiveness and his complex relationship with the surfing community.

The film opens by presenting us with the vibrant world of professional surfing and the firm place that Andy Irons had carved out within that world. Irons is often regarded as one of the world's greatest surfers, honored with worldwide recognition and a string of impressive victories. He was admired and genuinely regarded for his passionate style, raw talent, and insatiable desire for competition.

Andy Irons' rivalry with Kelly Slater takes a central role in the film. It was an esteemed rivalry marked by incredible wave duels and competitive tension, spotlighting not only Irons’ competitive streak but illuminating the intensities of the pro-surfing world. Slater offers some intriguing insights into the rivalry, providing a perspective that's often engaging and always sincere.

However, the film does not merely celebrate Irons' life from a distance; instead, it takes us closer by portraying his struggles comprehensively. And beneath the shiny surface of his visible professional achievements, the film unpacks the darker side of his life — his combat with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction. This is achieved through heartbreaking testimonies from Andy’s close ones who bravely reflect on his struggles, explaining how he hid his pain behind his celebrated public persona and upbeat charm. This could have been exploited for sensation, but the film truly handles the subject matter with care, contributing to a broader conversation surrounding mental health and addiction.

Balance is critical in presenting such a sensitive narrative, and "Kissed by God" flawlessly maintains this balance. It neither romanticizes nor vilifies addiction and mental health struggles; instead, it portrays them as real, destructive forces that immensely impacted Andy's life and his relationships. This is achieved through meticulously narrated personal encounters, home videos, and audio recordings, allowing a deeper and poignant insight into Andy's personal life.

Lyndie Irons, Andy's wife, is a source of some of the most emotional moments of the film. She speaks frankly about her husband's struggles and their implications on their relationship and their son. Her honesty and resilience provide the film with a heartfelt tone that humanizes the surfing legend.

Furthermore, Bruce Irons' valuable contributions help understand the brotherly bond that they shared and the pain of losing a brother who grappled with his battles. One feels Bruce's pain, regret, and vivid admiration for his brother, contributing to an incredibly emotional watch.

The film is also visually stunning, capturing the impressive beauty and raw power of the ocean. It uses this contrast to epitomize Andy's life and career, a volatile mix of vibrant highs and destructive lows. The sheer skill involved in surfing is made tangibly evident through slow-motion wave footage, adding another layer of appreciation for the extreme athleticism and extraordinary courage that the sport demands.

In conclusion, Andy Irons: Kissed by God is much more than a surfing documentary. It is an honest, hard-hitting, and heartfelt exploration of a complex individual behind a public personality. It is an emotional journey that concurrently celebrates his successes and mourns his losses, giving the audience a holistic view of a man behind the surfing legend. The film serves as a vital and compelling exploration of mental health and addiction, stressing the need for conversation and understanding around such intricate topics, thereby taking a strong step towards destigmatizing these deep-seated social issues.