Life Overtakes Me (2019) Short Movie Review

 

Life Overtakes Me | 2019 | 40m
Genre: Documentary/Short | Country: Sweden, US
Director: John Haptas, Kristine Samuelson
Cast: Henry Ascher, Nadja Hatem, Mikael Billing
IMDB: 6.5
My Rate: 8/10

Hundreds of refugee children in Sweden experience a condition still debated in the health world, where they remain in a coma-like state called Resignation Syndrome for a long time.

Warning:

Heavy Theme

 

Synopsis:

Refugees in Sweden mostly face problems in their home countries. Some receive threats that endanger their lives and their families, forcing them to leave and settle in Sweden.

Settling in Sweden is not easy; they must apply for asylum as protection for their safety. The asylum process and decision take approximately six months. For approved applications, they receive a residence permit for three years.

The uncertainty they experience and events in their previous countries cause some children to develop a syndrome that puts them in a semi-coma state. They cannot wake from their sleep or carry out activities as usual, known as Resignation Syndrome.

Their families try various ways to help them recover, though no definitive cure exists yet. Only hope may improve their lives.

 

Review:

This documentary raises a theme that many people may not know about: Resignation Syndrome. This syndrome can be categorized as a mental illness. Although it affects hundreds of refugee children in Sweden and reportedly has existed since 1990, it is not yet recognized by WHO and lacks definitive medical explanation.

Many people view skeptically and think sufferers are just 'faking' their condition. This skeptical view cannot be ignored but also cannot be fully justified. Mental states vary, and such possibilities may occur, especially among those who have experienced severe trauma like some of these children. For example, some people with depression also struggle to function.

The documentary provides viewers with good information from various perspectives, including psychological aspects, though not in depth. The explanation is presented through narration. It would be better if presented as interviews with competent psychologists to add reliable understanding or include research studies related to the syndrome.

The story is presented very well and systematically. Each scene and dialogue shows how the condition affects their lives in accordance with the meaning of the documentary’s title. Transitions between families and sufferers are also done well. There is written explanatory information that makes it easy for viewers to understand.

The background of the story is explained very well, with interviews about the experiences of the characters. Then the conflict arises by showing the feelings of the parents regarding the condition. The resolution is also handled well, showing the possibility of recovery for the sufferers.

What needs to be considered is that besides showing the perspective of refugees who successfully obtain asylum, it is also necessary to show those who have children with the condition but do not get asylum. Will their children’s condition improve or remain the same?

This is needed to strengthen the fact that the condition is not fabricated or faked by refugees to obtain asylum permits. Because there are some controversies that arise. One is the testimony of residents living near affected families, saying that some parents force their children to pretend in order to get asylum.

Overall, this film is quite interesting to watch because it provides new insights that many people rarely know.

 

Memorable scene:

At minute 22, Karen’s mother tries to talk to Karen as a form of therapy for her recovery. At that moment, Karen’s mother sheds tears and feels how heavy it is for her to see her helpless child. In this scene, we can see how great a parent’s love is for their child.

 

Memorable dialogue:

"The recovery of these children is dependent on rebuilding hope"

 

Recommendation:

Worth to watch

 

(Aluna)