The Next Part: An Exploration Of Marriage And Hardship
The Next Part: An Exploration of Marriage and Hardship
The Next Part is a short documentary film directed, produced, filmed, and edited by Erin Sanger. It was a winner at five film festivals, and was an official selection at three. The film is about a man who lost his legs in an explosion in Iraq, as well as his and his wife's struggle with conceiving a child after the accident.
The moving film explores the relationship between the man, Aaron, and his wife, Kathleen. Aaron sustained his injuries while working as someone who dismantled bombs in Iraq. During his work, one of the bombs unexpectedly went off, and he lost both of his legs and ended up having to amputate two of his fingers. As the film goes on, we learn that he also sustained injuries
that affected his fertility. In a moving clip from Aaron's time in the hospital, we also learn that one of their most wanted goals within their marriage is to have children.
The short documentary chronicles Aaron's journey through fertility treatment, and how it is affecting his marriage. Both Aaron and Kathleen are determined to have children, and make it clear that they will do anything to be able to conceive naturally.
One of the things that really brings the audience into their lives are the scenes of Aaron and Kathleen living their everyday lives. There are shots of Aaron going through physical therapy as well as spending time with Kathleen and the rest of their family. We also see a scene of Aaron and Kathleen giving a talk at an elementary school. These scenes bring a lot of reality to the film, and show that they are just trying to live normal lives and enjoy their marriage despite such a tragic accident.
The film also explores a time in their relationship when he was first injured. Kathleen was responsible for making every decision about him and his health. She explains that seeing him in a way where he is totally helpless really changed her perspective. One thing I would have liked to see more of is Aaron's take on their situation. Much of the film is through Kathleen's perspective. But, the film as a whole is moving and uplifting towards the end.
The film ends with the news that Kathleen is pregnant. Even though doctors did not think that it was possible, Aaron and Kathleen were able to conceive a baby girl. Overall, this documentary is moving, and gives an inside look into the lives of a couple that have faced extreme hardship, but have come out on the other side happy.
The Next Part is a short documentary film directed, produced, filmed, and edited by Erin Sanger. It was a winner at five film festivals, and was an official selection at three. The film is about a man who lost his legs in an explosion in Iraq, as well as his and his wife's struggle with conceiving a child after the accident.
The moving film explores the relationship between the man, Aaron, and his wife, Kathleen. Aaron sustained his injuries while working as someone who dismantled bombs in Iraq. During his work, one of the bombs unexpectedly went off, and he lost both of his legs and ended up having to amputate two of his fingers. As the film goes on, we learn that he also sustained injuries
that affected his fertility. In a moving clip from Aaron's time in the hospital, we also learn that one of their most wanted goals within their marriage is to have children.
The short documentary chronicles Aaron's journey through fertility treatment, and how it is affecting his marriage. Both Aaron and Kathleen are determined to have children, and make it clear that they will do anything to be able to conceive naturally.
One of the things that really brings the audience into their lives are the scenes of Aaron and Kathleen living their everyday lives. There are shots of Aaron going through physical therapy as well as spending time with Kathleen and the rest of their family. We also see a scene of Aaron and Kathleen giving a talk at an elementary school. These scenes bring a lot of reality to the film, and show that they are just trying to live normal lives and enjoy their marriage despite such a tragic accident.
The film also explores a time in their relationship when he was first injured. Kathleen was responsible for making every decision about him and his health. She explains that seeing him in a way where he is totally helpless really changed her perspective. One thing I would have liked to see more of is Aaron's take on their situation. Much of the film is through Kathleen's perspective. But, the film as a whole is moving and uplifting towards the end.
The film ends with the news that Kathleen is pregnant. Even though doctors did not think that it was possible, Aaron and Kathleen were able to conceive a baby girl. Overall, this documentary is moving, and gives an inside look into the lives of a couple that have faced extreme hardship, but have come out on the other side happy.