Category Archives: Lending Insight

“Cocoon,” directed by Ron Howard, is a science fiction film that makes you ponder the value of life and the importance of death. The movie centers around a group of elderly residents at a retirement home who discover a transformative … Continue reading →

Capturing the unique emotional experience of grief poses a challenge for any filmmaker. Typical movies attempting to depict grief and loss often feature a sympathetic protagonist—a mother facing her child’s terminal illness, an elderly man coping with his wife’s dementia, … Continue reading →

“The Boy and the Heron” is the most recent movie from Studio Ghibli and its legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The works of Miyazaki are known for their whimsical storylines; beautiful, hand-drawn animation; and themes of environmentalism and pacifism. “The Boy … Continue reading →

    The opening scene of “Good Grief” aptly sets the stage for Daniel Levy’s directorial film debut, in that it features rich visuals and warm vibes. But the film ultimately lacks the depth we’re left desperately craving by the … Continue reading →

With a book title that alludes to a punchline to follow, “Two Women Walk into a Bar” by Cheryl Strayed is certainly no joking matter. This short, yet poignant, personal story details the author’s strained relationship with her disapproving mother-in-law, … Continue reading →

Public acceptance of psychedelics for palliative care has been rising in recent years, thanks to numerous studies detailing their profound therapeutic effects, which are often triggered by a mystical, transformative experience. It’s precisely that experience, author Michael Pollan reveals in “How to … Continue reading →