Breaking PTSD Stigma: Real-Life Veteran Stories

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MOVIE REVIEW
Here. Is. Better.
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Jack Youngelson
Where To Watch: releasing theatrically in New York (The Quad) and Los Angeles (Laemmle Santa Monica) on June 23, 2023, with a VOD release on all major platforms in the US and Canada to follow on June 27, timed to National PTSD Awareness Day.

RAVING REVIEW: HERE. IS. BETTER., a documentary where every scene radiates purpose and gravity. This tale follows the lives of four veterans who, despite their varying backgrounds and histories, are united by an unseen foe: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The enemy silently preys on millions of American adults yearly, with veterans, unfortunately, forming a large segment of this demographic. However, HERE. IS. BETTER. swerves away from the path you would expect, choosing instead to celebrate the indomitable spirit of human resilience and the power of mental health therapies in fostering recovery.

The film spotlights Jason Kander, a previous player in the political field known for his bold step back from the 2018 Kansas City mayoral race. Why, you may ask? He confronted his PTSD head-on, leading the way for fellow veterans. Other compelling narratives unfurl on the screen, such as the Vietnam War veteran wrestling with the apparitions of his past and the often-unheard voices of female veterans contending with their traumatic experiences. To paint a comprehensive picture of the path to PTSD recovery, HERE. IS. BETTER. also takes a deep dive into the inner workings of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A department that some politicians would like to see gutted.

HERE. IS. BETTER. was forged during the heart of the COVID-19 global pandemic, adding a new dimension of relevance and urgency to its narrative. The trials faced by the veterans strike a chord with viewers far beyond military circles, as the film mirrors the shared experiences of a world grappling with loss and trauma.

In an era where stigma-free mental health care is inching its way into the norm in society, HERE. IS. BETTER. does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of PTSD. It fosters a beacon of hope and sparks crucial dialogues around mental health, using the real-life experiences of veterans like John, Teresa, Jason, and Tabitha as its narrative's backbone.

The film's strength lies not just in its unflinching portrayal of human struggle but in the unwavering commitment of the filmmakers to ignite change. Staggering statistics on PTSD and veteran suicides galvanized the team into action, including executive producer William F. Brandt, Jr., producers Sian Edwards-Beal and David Beal, and director Jack Youngelson. They set out to put a face to the numbers, unveiling the personal battles fought by veterans, therapists, and others on the frontlines of the PTSD war. This film was their frontline, the battle they could face to make tomorrow a better place.

HERE. IS. BETTER. works to dismantle the enduring narrative that often labels veterans as 'broken' due to PTSD. The film spotlights the challenges of seeking treatment while underlining the transformative power of trauma-focused therapies such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

The documentary knowingly focused on female veterans, often relegated to the margins of PTSD discourse. HERE. IS. BETTER. amplifies the stories of Teresa, an Army veteran, and Tabitha, a Marine veteran, offering a deep dive into their seven-week-long therapeutic journey. This unique insight broadens our understanding of PTSD's diverse manifestations.

As viewers, we join John, a retired Vietnam War veteran, on his journey to confront his struggles head-on. Isolated from his family, John undergoes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, revealing to audiences the potential of unconventional healing techniques for PTSD.

With a rich tapestry of personal narratives interwoven with an exploration of evidence-backed treatments, HERE. IS. BETTER. emerges as a powerful testament to the potential for PTSD recovery. It sounds the alarm for much-needed conversations about mental health, serving as a potent call to arms amid a burgeoning mental health crisis. The film pays tribute to the bravery of those involved in its production, acknowledging their collective efforts in spotlighting an issue that touches countless lives.

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[photo courtesy of GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT]