Unrest

Unrest is a thought-provoking, poignant 2017 documentary that puts a spotlight on the misunderstood and often underrepresented world of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Directed by Jennifer Brea, a Harvard Ph.D. student, who after being struck down by a mysterious fever became progressively ill, the movie is a powerful narrative of her experience with the disease.

As a protagonist, Jennifer Brea tenderly navigates the delicate, yet tumultuous terrain of CFS, a disease that is commonly known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). When Brea was bedridden because of her illness, and the medical professionals were unable to diagnose her condition, she decided to document her own story, which ultimately became the immersive heart of the film, Unrest.

Unrest is not just Jennifer Brea's personal struggle with ME/CFS, but also a bold exploration of a large but invisible community of ME/CFS patients who are largely forgotten and misunderstood by mainstream medicine. The narrative follows Brea's journey from patient to advocate to storyteller, as she seeks answers about her disease, connects with other patients across the globe, and campaigns for public recognition of ME/CFS.

There’s a remarkable intimacy and authenticity as Brea candidly shares her own experience, from the initial unexplained fever to puzzling symptoms and the frustration of misdiagnosis. Omar Wasow, her supportive husband and fellow Harvard alumnus, accompanies her throughout the entire journey, providing an additional lens into the familial implications of chronic illness. Their relationship adds a relatable element to the story, highlighting the human side of sickness which often goes unexplored.

Parallel to Jennifer's journey, the film introduces us to other ME/CFS sufferers across the world. Jessica l e Taylor is one such character, whose resilience and hope depict another perspective on life with ME/CFS. These narratives thread together a tapestry of global voices that fully display the physical and emotional devastation wrought by the disease.

Beyond being a heartfelt documentary, Unrest is an unflinching portrayal of the medical community's shortcomings in terms of acknowledging and tackling ME/CFS. It unearths the stigmas around chronic illness, the dismissal of patients, and the lack of funding for research, challenging the viewers to rethink preconceived notions and biases. The movie engages a tone of activism, pulling the curtain back on ME/CFS, a disease that affects millions worldwide, but often goes unnoticed due to its enigmatic nature and the fact that many of its sufferers are hidden away in their homes due to their debilitating symptoms.

Unrest is visually rich, shot with a dreamlike quality that mirrors the often disorienting experience of living with ME/CFS. The choice to film via Skype and handheld cameras feels innovative and adds to the raw impact of the narrative, breaking down the physical barriers that might usually prevent such a story from being told. It orchestrates various moods, navigating between the solemnity of the subject matter and the moments of joy and camaraderie Jennifer finds in the global community of ME/CFS patients.

The film is also a testament to the power of technology and media in connecting isolated individuals and communities. It showcases how Jennifer, bedridden and often unable to perform the simplest tasks, was able to reach out to others, build a network, and eventually create a powerful platform for their shared stories. This is a strong depiction of how technology and media have transformed the landscapes of advocacy and activism, providing a voice to those who are often unheard.

Unrest is a powerful, deeply emotional exploration of ME/CFS, underpinned by Jennifer Brea's heartfelt personal narrative. It is as much an investigation into a baffling medical mystery as it is a love story and a study of the human spirit in adversity. This film is not just for those affected by ME/CFS, but for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition, medical biases, and the power of storytelling in giving voice to the unseen.