Life at These Speeds

"Life at These Speeds" is an emotional and compelling drama that revolves around the interplay of personal loss, healing, and running. The movie was released in 2017 and stars Graham Rogers, Tim Roth, Stefanie Scott, among others.

Graham Rogers, known for his roles in series like "Quantico" and "Ray Donovan," portrays Kevin Schuler, a high school track and field athlete. The storyline unfolds around Kevin's life, who lives in a small community somewhere in Missouri. Kevin, a jovial teenager, is depicted as an accomplished middle-distance runner who also enjoys a vibrant social life.

However, Kevin's peaceful life takes a sharp, heartbreaking turn when a terrible and unimaginable school bus accident claims the lives of his classmates, close friends, and his first-ever girlfriend, Ellie (played by Stefanie Scott, known for her role in "Insidious: Chapter 3"). Kevin is one of the two survivors. This horrific incident completely shatters Kevin's world, leaving him with deep emotional wounds and survivor’s guilt.

From here, the narrative takes a deeper dive into the world of Kevin's trauma and his desperate struggle to cope with the enormous loss. It is then that he discovers a unique form of catharsis – running. He finds himself associating each footfall, every breath with a pulsing echo of his lost friends. Running becomes more than just a sport to him; it metamorphoses into an emotional release, a remembrance, and, above all, a surviving mechanism.

Experienced actor Tim Roth, who has a profound cinematic portfolio ("Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction"), brings to life the character of Coach Jared Hargrove. Hargrove, understanding the amplitude of profound loss Kevin is dealing with, channels his grief through invoking his passion for running into an opportunity to become a long-distance runner.

He steers him towards channeling his emotional turmoil to fuel his running, resulting in Kevin breaking one record after another. He becomes famous, but this fame, driven by his behind-the-scenes grief, brings its own set of complexities and challenges which he has to navigate.

Stefanie Scott, who previously impressed the audience in "Jem and the Holograms", is cast in the role of Ellie, who, despite her tragic and untimely demise, is an impactful character in Kevin's life journey. The memories of Ellie and the lost friends live on with Kevin, influencing his actions, decisions, and mantra of survival.

Director Leif Tilden, recognized for his work on "Don's Plum" and "The Neighbourhood," presents "Life at These Speeds" in a thought-provoking manner. His careful approach paints a realistic portrait of a traumatized teenager who uses physical exhaustion as a coping mechanism, channeling his pain into strength, in a way that is truly inspiring.

With its cinematography, plot progression, and character development, this film does an excellent job at visually interpreting the potent novel "Life at These Speeds" by Jeremy Jackson, on which the movie is based. The screenplay dives deep into the psychological aspects of loss and the journey back to life. Rather than focusing on the sport, it pivots around Kevin’s personal journey and emotional metamorphosis, demonstrating how adversity, if properly channeled, can forge an indomitable spirit.

In essence, "Life at These Speeds" is a poignant film that spotlights the human spirit's resilience. It presents a moving exploration of grief, survival, identity, and redemption. The excellent performances by the seasoned actors elevate the film to higher realms, making it relatable and emotionally resonant, leaving the audience touched and heartened.

Remember, this isn't just another running movie with timers, finish lines, and trophies. It instills the idea that sometimes, for some people, running is a lot more than footfalls on an asphalt road. It can be an emotional journey, a tribute, a memorial, a way to remember, and above all, a way to survive and rediscover oneself. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, "Life at These Speeds" is a film that everyone can connect with on a human level. It's all about moving at 'these speeds' from the depths of despair towards the pinnacle of hope.

"Life at These Speeds" invites you into a world marked by tragedy, but filled with hope, and leaves you with the lingering feeling that even when life pushes you to the edge, there's always a way back.