74. América; movie review

AMERICA
Cert TBA
76 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

Far too many of us have experienced the horror of seeing a loved one's personality taken away by dementia.
Therefore, while Erick Stoll and Chase Whiteside's América is a very personal story, it will resonate with almost everyone who watches it.
It took me back to when we had to find residential accommodation for my grandma whom we visited for eight years not knowing whether she would recognise us or not.
The pressure on those who have to handle loved ones losing their mind is immense as is demonstrated in this fly-on-the-wall documentary.
It follows the desperately sad story of 93-year-old América whose son is in jail under the accusation of neglect after she fell out of bed.
Thus, the baton of her care is picked up by her grandsons Diego, Rodrigo and Bruno who reunite to look after her after being estranged for years.
While embroiled in a legal battle to release their father, they have to provide their grandmother with 24-hour care. Often she is not grateful nor can ever remember their names.
Unsurprisingly, tempers become very frayed and they clash over money, the distribution of tasks and her future.
The question which they dare not address is how long will they put their lives on hold to care for her.
Stoll and Whiteside's film is heartbreaking and, inevitably, prompts the viewer to put themselves in the place both of América and her grandsons.
Mrs W and I agreed that we would never want to inflict ourselves upon our kin in such a way but understood that América has no choice.
Put simply, she isn't of sound enough mind to dictate her care. Indeed, thankfully, she doesn't seem to be aware of her indignities.
Meanwhile, grandsons who remember a loving grandma, are left have to clean her and feed her.
It is a sobering portrayal of how many people dementia affects and how social care systems around the world are struggling to cope with it.
It is also enlightening how much emphasis is placed on Mexican families to handle it as if they are experts.
But, take care, América may prompt a tear or two.

Reasons to watch: A very personal account of living with dementia
Reasons to avoid: It is probably a tad too insular

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? Erick Stoll and Chase Whiteside had gone to Mexico intending to make a film about American tourists there and instead befriended circus performer Diego, a young man who became their subject. 

The final word. Erick Stoll: "I think it’s arguably a human right for people to receive good care. But beyond that, I think it’s a social obligation. And I think we all have a collective responsibility to care for one another."

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