Butterfly Girl

Butterfly Girl from 2014 is an inspiring, heart-wrenching, and enthralling documentary directed by Cary Bell. It centers on the life of a girl, Abigail Evans, who, despite having a severe and rare skin disorder known as Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), exudes an irrepressible spirit that captures the audience's hearts right from the start. The film brings forward an intertwining narrative of family, pain, courage, and perseverance.

Abigail Evans, also known as 'Butterfly Girl', is the charismatic central character of the film. She is a young teenage girl with a sassy sense of humor and an infectious zest for life, despite her day-to-day struggle with EB. This skin disorder is often compared to living with third-degree burns. It limits her physical capabilities greatly - she is often in pain, suffers from lack of mobility, and is severely underweight. Yet, Abigail refuses to succumb to the limitations of her condition and instead opts to embrace life and all its experiences.

Stacie Evans, Abby's mother, is both her primary caretaker and friend throughout her journey. The film presents another character, Abby's father - John Evans, who owns a roadhouse bar in rural Texas. John is a traditional, hardworking man with a passion for music, which he shares with his daughter. The movie delves into his struggle when he has to choose between keeping his bar running and staying with his daughter for her intensive care.

One of Abigail's passions reflected in the movie is her love for music, an affection she shares with her father. From singing along to country music hits to strumming her guitar, this teenager refuses to let her painful and lethal condition overshadow her passion for music and her free-spirited personality. Even as her health deteriorates, her desire to perform onstage remains unchanging.

The movie gives viewers a genuine insight into the lives of those suffering from EB. Cary Bell captivates the viewers with an intimate portrayal of Abigail’s day-to-day life, her relationships, and her unwavering spirit. The portrayal of Abigail’s resilience and strength makes this film a unique and moving human interest story.

Abigail's struggle with EB is mirrored by the emotional turmoil of her parents, who love her more than anything but can't protect her from the pain she endures. Their devotion to Abigail and their desperate attempts to provide her with a semblance of normalcy paints a moving picture of parental love and sacrifice.

Butterfly Girl presents how Abigail's condition affects not just her, but every individual close to her, and how they manage to hold on to hope amidst all the difficulties. The documentary highlights Abigail’s determination and her attempts to seize every moment of her life, despite the pain and challenges involved.

Peppered with moments of bitter-sweet humor and endearing vulnerability, the film takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster. These moments give a glimpse into Abigail's fighting spirit, making the audience root for her and her family throughout their ordeal.

Abigail’s unique narrative includes her spending time at her father’s bar, interacting with the customers and staff, dreaming of singing on a stage, and fearlessly talking about her future and disease. Despite the harsh reality that Abigail faces, the narrative is portrayed in an uplifting manner, focusing on her desire to live fully.

However, the film is not only about the struggles associated with the disease. It also brilliantly brings to light the happier moments of Abigail's life, highlighting her relationships, dreams, and the joy she brings to those around her. It details her ordinary teenage affairs, her flirtations with boys, and her aspirations of a music career despite the obstacles in her path.

Butterfly Girl is a profoundly moving documentary that expertly balances the bitter truth of a painful disease with the sweetness of a spirited young girl's dreams and her desire to live life to the fullest. It gracefully presents the reality of living with EB without exploiting or overlooking the pain it causes. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the bonds of family, and the courage to confront life's cruel realities head-on. Through the journey of Abigail, Butterfly Girl is a deep look into the essence of what it means to live, love, and dream.