It goes without saying that the last year has been one of the most trying times for society in recent memory.
Dealing with a global pandemic, being cooped up in our houses, and not being able to interact with people the way we used to presented its own set of challenges. With these difficulties comes opportunity; an opportunity to slow down, take a look at ourselves, and be honest with what we are going through.
Depression, doubt, fear, unhappiness, and loss seem to be amplified. However, we also have a chance to see what really matters – time with family, community, or whatever is that we really value. With so much to endure, actress, writer, and director Katie Boland’s We’re All in This Together is certainly a timely release
Official Synopsis: “‘We’re All in This Together’ focuses on the Parker family, who have had their fair share of complications. When matriarch Kate Parker miraculously survives plummeting over a waterfall in a barrel — a feat captured on a video that goes viral, suddenly, the dysfunctional Parker’s have to do something they never thought possible: act like a real family. Dealing with themes of trauma, mental illness and unexpected redemption.”
One of the first things that I noticed while watching this movie was that its attention to detail displays complex emotions that we, as humans, go through. We are introduced to the lead character Finn (played by Boland) and you get a sense that she was definitely dealing with some underlying issues. I felt that she was just going through the motions of life.
Without the context of what the rest of the film is going to bring I thought to myself, “How did she get to where she is now? What events happened in her life that led her to this point?” These questions were revealed as time progressed.
Shortly, Finn’s world got blown up as she saw a news broadcast talking about a woman who plummeted over a waterfall in a barrel. She found out that it’s her mother as she saw her twin Nicki on screen declining to be interviewed and storming off. It’s at that moment that Finn realized it’s time to go back home.
From there we are faced with a myriad of conflicts and issues.
I love how honest and authentic this film is. We’re All in This Together is unapologetic and is a clear picture that no matter what things look like on the outside, we all are dealing with shit and going through hardships, no matter what form that might take. Life is hard, and the only way that we can make it through is by locking arms and doing this together. I truly believe that everyone can learn something from this film. It’s a must see.
Adding to the greatness of this film is its music. It adds to the dynamic of the film, its relationships, and the events that are presented. I had the honor of interviewing Boland about this film, and she shared that it was actually her brother and his production company that was behind the film’s music.
The authenticity of this film is undeniably derived from the authenticity of Boland. During our interview she shares some of the things that she struggles with and how she deals with it. It’s so important that we as people feel the freedom to express our feelings about issues that we deal with, without fear of judgment or shame. That is brave and admirable. This is translated so well throughout the film.
Katie’s performance as the twins was impeccable and was handled with so much care and intent. The dynamic between Finn and Nicki was one of my favorite parts of the movie and shows Katie’s skill as an actress.
All in all, We’re All in This Together is a film that you should not pass on. It challenges us to look at ourselves, be open and honest, and realize that we can’t live life without the ones that we love. No matter how dysfunctional our relationships can be, the truth is this: We need each other. |THIS.
[By Alex The Host]
