The documentary-style film is based on the true story of Eli Timoner who in 1982 had a stroke following an accident and in January 2021 used California’s End of Life Option Law to die at the age of 92.
The film has an even more intimate feel due to Eli’s daughter, Ondi Timoner being the director. It is a film that deals with raw emotions and the grief of having to say goodbye to family. The film is completely rooted within Timoner’s family as she is the director, producer, editor, and cinematographer with her husband providing the score. It is a truly emotional watch.
Coined an ‘aid-in-dying’ drug, patients in California are able to be assisted by a Phsyicisian in their death if they go through the correct channels.
The piece cleverly uses a mixture of home movies, newspaper clippings, and news footage to create this feature-style documentary.
The film is mostly viewed through a loving perspective with a bitter-sweet feel to it rather than innate, negative sadness. Watching friends and family come together to say their goodbyes, whether in the setting of Eli and Lisa’s house or over Zoom the film has a sadly relatable feel. Especially coming out of a pandemic, and Eli’s death being during the pandemic, as I was watching I felt that Ondi Timoner had done a fantastic job at giving an insight into what so many have had to face. Yes, this story is slightly different due to the use of medical-aided suicide (a controversial topic) but the raw subject of loss is conveyed beautifully.
Watching Eli’s journey toward death, aided by his family, is a challenging yet very rewarding experience. I would highly recommend.