Quiet Heroes

Quiet Heroes is a powerful documentary feature from 2018 that brings the inspiring and untold stories of Kristen Ries and her medical practitioner companion, Maggie Snyder, to the cinematic forefront. The film is filled with emotion, history, strength, and resilience, underlining the significance of action during times of adversity.

Directed by Jenny Mackenzie, Jared Ruga, and Amanda Stoddard, the movie takes place in Salt Lake City, the political epicenter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The city was hostile to homosexuality during the outbreak of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. It's under these challenging circumstances and amid the mounting fear and hysteria, that these resilient women courageously stepped forward to help.

Quiet Heroes is a poignant rendering of the global health crisis that has affected millions, seen through the regional lens of Salt Lake City and the personal struggles of its inhabitants. At a time when the American government's response was inadequate at all levels and the stigma attached to the disease left the affected people marginalized and ignored, the actions of Kristen Ries and Maggie Snyder take on monumental importance.

The film presents Kristen Ries' story, an infectious disease specialist who turned up in Salt Lake City the very day the first AIDS case was reported in 1981. She immediately found herself venturing where others dared not go. Facing resistance from her hospital and witnessing a healthcare system unprepared for the crisis, she set up the only clinic in Utah that would treat AIDS patients. Her fearless dedication earned her scorn from the medical community, but gratitude and love from the patients she cared for.

As Ries’ workload increased, she was joined by her life-partner, physician assistant Maggie Snyder. The women battled not just the disease but also the social stigma that accompanied it. The film tactfully portrays their shared journey, their dedication, and the profound personal cost they paid.

Amid various archival and present-day interviews, we also meet Beverly Stoddard, a woman whose husband was treated by Ries and Snyder in the 1980s. Her storyline offers valuable insights from the perspective of someone deeply affected by the AIDS epidemic. It amplifies the impact Ries and Snyder had on the individual lives engulfed in this health crisis.

A significant part of the narrative is how the state’s dominant religious affiliations intersected with the crisis. The film does not shy away from exploring the complex reactions and prejudice prevalent in the community. The topic of how religion and morality can intersect with scientific understanding and approaches to public health is deftly handled.

Moreover, Quiet Heroes isn’t simply another account of a dark chapter in US history. Instead, it is a tribute to two brave women who wholeheartedly devoted their lives to combating a deadly disease, stigma, and fear. In portraying their journey, the film serves as an important reminder of compassion, courage, and the unyielding human spirit's potential.

The filmmakers bring out the sentimental and emotional aspects of the crisis and this true story by interviewing many of the people who were directly affected. The storytelling is direct and heartfelt, filled with deep respect for the work of these extraordinary women.

Quiet Heroes is a beautifully shot tale that paints a vivid picture of a forgotten part of American social and medical history. By focusing on the specifics of Ries and Snyder's pioneering work, the film illustrates the passionate dedication that it takes to combat institutionalized prejudice and fear. It's a powerful tribute to the heroism of those who rose to the occasion in the face of such a great adversity.

Overall, Quiet Heroes is a heartfelt and inspiring journey into the lives of two women who made a profound impact during a frightening and deeply misunderstood time in history. Loaded with courage, unwavering determination, and unconditional love, their story is a beacon of hope and change. A must-watch for both history enthusiasts and those interested in inspiring human stories.