Any One of Us

Any One of Us is an emotionally charged and awe-inspiring documentary, released in 2019, focusing on the life-altering journey of professional mountain biker Paul Basagoitia. Directed by Fernando Villena, the film offers an exceptionally honest and deeply human exploration of the devastating impact and consequences of spinal cord injuries, taking audiences on a journey of hope, resilience, and gut-wrenching reality.

The film opens in 2015 at the Red Bull Rampage competition, where Basagoitia sustains a severe injury that leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. As he embarks his intense rehabilitation journey, the narrative documents the ups and downs of his physical and emotional battles, his evolving relationship with his girlfriend Nichole Munk, whom he had been dating for only seven months before the accident, and his determination to regain as much mobility as possible.

The documentary features not only personal footage from Paul Basagoitia documenting his recovery process but also incorporates interviews and profiles of other individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries. The film motivates us to view life through a new lens where every small achievement deserves celebration and where defeat is not necessarily the end.

Among these inspiring individuals are Chelsie Hill and Patrick Ivison, who provide intimate insights into their own journey after sustaining spinal cord injuries. Hill, a dancer who became paralyzed following a car accident, founded her own dance company for wheelchair users, displaying a breathtaking ability to transform adversity into passion. Ivison, who was run over by a car when he was just a year old, resolves to live life to the fullest and goes on to become a quadriplegic surfer and a marathoner.

Basagoitia's rehab journey becomes ours as well as we go through his ups and downs, gradual progress, relapses, and unshakeable persistence. The rawness of the footage gives the film an almost voyeuristic feel, taking us inside his world in a way that is intimate while still giving the characters involved their privacy and dignity.

In his debut as a film director, Fernando Villena creates an unflinching yet heartfelt examination of the physical and emotional struggle that accompanies life-changing injuries. There is a clear message of tenacity and unquenchable spirit that radiates through the narrative, leaving viewers simultaneously heartbroken and emboldened.

A major strength of Any One of Us is its dedication to showing the reality of the aftermath of spinal cord injuries. It does not shy away from showing the less glamorous aspects of rehabilitation, including the humiliation and frustration that come with relearning basic tasks. It also incorporates discussions about mental health, noting the toll that the reminders of a life once lived can take on an individual's mental wellbeing.

However, in between capturing the painstaking process of recovery, the film also presents the moments of triumph, bravery, resilience, and sparks of hope that keep Paul going. It displays unabashedly the love, support, and encouragement from family and friends that play an instrumental role in Paul's healing journey. "Any One of Us" emphasizes love's role in recovery—a love for oneself, for others, for life—that shines even in the face of unimaginable difficulties.

This film is a profound exploration of human strength and vulnerability, of bleak realities, and yet, flickering hope. Through it all, it paints a candid picture of life after a monumental, life-altering incident and serves as a reminder that our spirit can truly endure and emerge stronger even after staggering blows. Any One of Us is a compelling testament to perseverance, determination, and resilience of the human spirit—a film as inspiring as it is heartrending.