After viewing the unrealistic portrayal of brain injury in Regarding Henry, my research brought me to a film that the Chicago Tribune described as a “counterpoint to Regarding Henry”, namely Every 21 Seconds.  The 2018 independent film is classified, by various sites, as intense, dramatic, gut-wrenching, inspiring, and heroic.  In 2019, it was screened in select theaters and is currently available on streaming services.  After viewing, I was quite pleased at the more realistic portrayal of brain injury, compared to other movies I have viewed.

The story involves a man, Brian Sweeney, who sustains a severe brain injury following a mistaken-identity bar fight.  (The connection between alcohol and aggression is well-documented.  A study in Germany, that I reviewed on the National Institute of Health website, found that, in a given year, 1 in 3 violent acts are committed under the influence.  The NIH, in another study, clarifies the obvious: “Drugs [which, they define as including: alcohol, anabolic steroids, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, opiates, and hallucinogens] can cause aggression by altering the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin.”)  The film is based on a book that is based on a true story that occurred in 1992.  It does not only focus on Sweeney’s recovery, but also delves into the emotional trauma experienced by his friends and, particularly, his family, which are often ignored in film.   

On Facebook, it’s described as “truly good educational material”, and from the reviews, both professional and individual posts, I would agree.  Some individual posts, though, found it to be the exact opposite.  They thought the depiction was unrealistic.  I think it is good to remember that each brain injury is different.  The film is assuredly independent, as the acting quality and cinematography are both below average, and there is no “star power”.  However, it may be worth viewing for those new to, or unfamiliar with, brain injury.    

* After showing the terrible effects of a brain injury, the movie defines it as a “silent epidemic,” to which I disagree.  Oxford defines an epidemic as, “a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.”  Not only is brain injury not a disease, it is not restricted to a finite period of time.  It has been occurring since the beginning of humankind.