Synopsis:

A powerful documentary about a father and the resilience of his daughter Christine Ortoll as she confronts mental illness, addiction, and the transformative power of support. Through her personal journals and the unwavering dedication of her loved ones, witness a journey of hope and the creation of a meaningful legacy by her father.

REVIEW by Andie Karvelis

Just saying this film is an honest and heartfelt look at addiction doesn’t do it justice. This is a film about family, about love, about wanting to escape your personal pain and finding yourself addicted to a substance that takes over your life. It’s a story about Christine Ortoll and the family and friends who love her.

Before I say anything about Christine, we need to talk about someone else. Tim Searfoss. “Who’s that?” -I’m sure you are wondering. Tim is the genius who not only directed the film but was the Director of Photography, and wrote this film with Daniel Fajardo. They took Mike and Kim Ortoll’s memories of their daughter, Christine and created a film that makes the viewer feel part of the Ortoll family. From the first few moments of underwater photography, you know this isn’t your average film. It’s beautiful, but haunting and it sets the tone for the story you are about to uncover.

By the time we see Mike Ortoll, we are already invested in him and his family. Mike is responsible for the voice over we are hearing. A voice filled with warmth and sadness, yet an undeniable strength. His candor during his interviews was something that often had me wiping away tears.

Then Tim and Daniel really elevated things (and proceeded to rip my heart out). They cleverly hired actors to portray Christine, her family and friends. Now you are seeing these memories relived and such incredible actors that brought them to life! Christine was portrayed by Sienna Hall as a child and as an adult by Beatriz Ochoa. John Hardy portrayed Mike and Christine’s mom, Kim, played by Tracy Reynolds. Each actor was so incredible and delivered a performance that was nothing short of perfection.

You may think this sounds like it’s a sappy, tear-jerker of a film, it’s NOT. Not by a long shot. It’s incredibly educational as Mike takes you through rehabilitation and what to look for, interviews with therapists and even Mike talking on zoom to a high ranking member of a drug cartel.

The willingness in which Mike shares Christine’s story and how Tim Searfoss presented that story is as if he bottled empathy and infused it into this film. I could go on and on about why I think everyone needs to watch this film but I don’t want to bore you. I will say this, I think this film can help others who have a loved one battling the monster that is addiction…Rest in peace, Christine. You will be missed.

Project Links

•  Website

Directed by Tim Searfoss