Love and Science: a Unique “Blend”

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MOVIE REVIEW
Designer $hit
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 9m
Director(s): Saffron Cassaday
Where To Watch: exclusive Digital release on September 21, 2023 & releasing wide on November 14

RAVING REVIEW: When you marry the worlds of groundbreaking medicine and heartfelt narratives, you get DESIGNER $HIT, a delightful cinematic offering from director and subject Saffron Cassaday. This is a front-row seat to the exhilarating world of Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) and the whirlwind of emotions accompanying such a journey. Yep, I couldn’t have imagined typing that sentence before watching this, either.

The only knock I could have on the film at just over an hour was that I would’ve liked a deeper dive. All the pieces are there for a fantastic exploration, but it feels too cut and dry at times; I would have liked to have seen more of the conversations and a deeper examination of the natural world vs. the reenactments. Although these are minor issues, the film was still fascinating, and Cassaday put herself front and center as director and subject work wonderfully.

Imagine taking a medical procedure, already on the cutting edge of innovation, and adding a plot twist – no doctor wanting to perform it! This blend of scientific bravado and raw vulnerability makes the film the epicenter of both a daring experiment and a testament to modern love's depth and resilience. DESIGNER $HIT opens up the dialogue about FMT’s broader implications. This isn’t just about one woman’s journey; it's a magnifying glass over seemingly unexplainable recoveries and newfound well-being. The question raised is profound: Could our gut’s intricate ecosystem hold the keys to unlocking many health mysteries?

Enter the world of medical skepticism. Cassaday, however, unabashedly confronted naysayers, diving headlong into research and seeking answers from experts. Yet, she’s not immune to the cautionary tales accompanying venturing into uncharted territory. I think the most vitally important aspect of the film is that she points out that it’s not a how-to and that substantial risks are involved. This isn’t a conspiracy theory film suggesting you take horse dewormer for a viral disease; this is backed by science and is being studied by many.

Beyond the labs and research papers, the film embraces its emotional core. From health triumphs to challenges, from evolving romantic dynamics to caregiving's nuanced layers, DESIGNER $HIT showcases Cassaday's life's raw ebb and flow. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder for viewers to ponder the nature of healthcare today, straddling the line between age-old practices and emerging advancements. Driving the story forward is Cassaday's spirit. Battling dismissals from her medical team, she employs her cinematic prowess to illuminate silenced issues, using the film as a beacon for understanding and compassion.

DESIGNER $HIT seamlessly juxtaposes humor, love, and scientific discovery. It serves as a poignant reminder, urging viewers to re-evaluate healthcare perspectives and question our relentless health pursuits. It's more than just a visual treat; it’s a catalyst for introspection on life’s myriad facets.

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[photo courtesy of THE BEST PART]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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