Triumph Over Tragedy in Heartfelt Journey

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
How I Roll
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 13m
Filmmaker(s): Brianne Berkson & Miguel Gluckstern, BriGuel
Where To Watch: West Coast premiere at the 2024 Dances With Films

RAVING REVIEW: In HOW I ROLL, Robin Cohen’s life unfolds like a gripping screenplay, where she combats Multiple Sclerosis alongside profound personal losses. This documentary doesn’t just chart her journey; it elevates her story to a symbol of undefeatable hope and human tenacity.

Directed by Brianne Berkson and Miguel Gluckstern, also known as BriGuel, this documentary crafts a narrative that’s as enlightening as it is inspiring. With their heritage tracing back to Holocaust survivors, the directors bring a profound depth of empathy and resilience to the screen. They expertly mesh themes of mental health, societal isolation, and the day-to-day challenges faced by those with disabilities, transforming Robin’s adversities into a universally resonant saga of persistence and serenity.

New York City sets the stage, echoing the themes of survival and resilience that permeate Robin's story. Prompted by an upsurge in teen suicides and a societal craving for instant gratification, Robin’s journey is depicted with a keen eye for both personal detail and broader societal impacts. The directors navigate her complex world with a flair that turns her story from touching to genuinely transformative.

The visual storytelling in HOW I ROLL is compelling, showcasing not only the bustling life of New York City but also the quieter, more reflective moments of Robin’s life. BriGuel uses various cinematic techniques to bring the audience closer to Robin’s emotional exploration. From close-ups that capture the raw honesty in her eyes to wide shots that frame these solitary figures against the vast urban sprawl, each technique is chosen to enhance the storytelling and immerse viewers fully in the emotional rhythm of the narrative.

HOW I ROLL reaches beyond the typical documentary format. It’s a profound declaration that no adversity is too daunting to overcome, with Robin positioned as a luminary of hope. The directors’ histories of confronting and overcoming immense challenges underscore this message, adding layers of authenticity and power to the narrative.

BriGuel's dedication to storytelling is evident in the films they make and the mission of their production company. They aim to do more than entertain by seeking to heal and inspire. The upcoming project, “Becoming Ap(Parent),” which tackles themes of intergenerational trauma, is a testament to the commitment to impactful cinema that also heals. I’m excited to see where their story goes next and find what stories they tell.

Robin’s choice to expose her life’s challenges does more than narrate her hardships; it beckons the audience to discover their resilience in the face of despair. The film’s core message is clear and potent: the human spirit’s capacity for renewal and hope knows no bounds.

HOW I ROLL explores the contours of documentary filmmaking. It’s not just a film; it’s a movement against adversity, a deeply personal yet universally applicable testament to survival, and a poignant reminder that how we respond to life’s hurdles ultimately defines us. Through Robin’s powerful narrative, BriGuel delivers a heartfelt cinematic work and provides a crucial beacon of hope for anyone needing a reminder that no shadow is too dark to be illuminated.

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