A great example of how to take a serious and potentially unhappy subject and turn it into an uplifting and inspirational examination of loving and caring. Trish's dedication to her mother demonstrates qualities we all should strive for. And Kyle's willingness to be a key part of this mother/daughter journey shows what love is really about. The comic touches and embedded mystery make this story easily watchable and engrossing throughout. I recommend this movie not only for those dealing with dementia in the family, but for anyone looking for a life affirming movie experience. A story very well told!
29 Reviews
A Story About Loyalty
aliciawendland4 March 2023
This story could have been so depressing, but I came out feeling inspired and hopeful. The director did such an amazing job with the story-telling and I believe that all those years she spent taking care of her mom, she was also preparing for this amazing story. Even though it was a documentary and not a movie, you could see the change in the people as the story went on which is a true testament to all those who worked behind the camera. I loved every bit of it, and even though I cried in the end, it didn't feel hopeless. This story about a mother and daughter is so rich with love, joy, and of course dancing! Even if your family isn't dealing with dementia personally, there are aspects throughout the movie that can be relatable for just about anyone. What a wonderful documentary!
Inspirational + Heartwarming
cpowellbowman20 February 2023
A beautiful example of fierce love and courage. Funny, moving, educational and inspirational. The commitment of Trish to her mother is a story of true love, as is the love and commitment of Kyle joining the journey. Trish's ability to manage the constant care of her mother, manage all the practicality and logistics of life, navigating the medical system, dealing with the discoveries of this disease, and documenting the journey with such grace and humor is a joy to be able to witness in this film. A beautiful and important story, this is a must watch for anyone care giving for a loved one. 10/10.
Required viewing for any caregiver
mary-0448921 February 2023
What a gift this film is! Dementia is an almost taboo topic in society, and caregivers toil in silence, often unseen, very often in despair. By sharing her own and her mother's story, filmmaker Trish Neufeld has shone a playful, even joyous light on her mother's struggles with the illness, and her family's challenges in adapting to it. Ms. Neufeld's gifted cinematography is combined with wonderful animation, and follows Trish and her mother, friends, neighbours and family on a fascinating journey, sharing with us the profound love they all have for each other. Special mention must be given to Ms. Neufeld's husband, Kyle, who she meets after her mother's diagnosis. In true 'love made visible' fashion Kyle enthusiastically joins Trish in her quest to make her mother's final years and months as fulfilling as possible. In an era where toxic masculinity gets so much attention, Kyle shows a different vision, displaying the kind of generosity of spirit, kindness, love and selflessness that should serve as a blueprint for men looking to support loved ones with dementia. I cannot recommend this film enough. I left the theatre with a very different perspective on this heartbreaking diagnosis - and the certain knowledge that Love Conquers All. A really perfect little gem of a film.
Reverse Parenting
zuluturk5 March 2023
Who knows what the future holds for us? Only some live the bittersweet truth, the reversal of the roles between parent and child. Trish generously shares her personal story, arguably inspiring and motivating the audience about how the numbered days of our beloved ones could turn into a period of joy and fulfilment. Grief finds another meaning in her way,. It's not getting lost in misery but lighting a candle in the dark to help others. How important it is to surround yourself with a loving and caring community if you are not lucky enough to find it in your core family. Hats off to this amazing work.
A Love Letter to a Mother
westcoastguy-007985 March 2023
The very personal story of Trish's experiences as her mother became more affected from the ravages of dementia.. While you would think based on the subject matter the film would be depressing, it is anything but. While lots of us may have relationship challenges with our parents at times, this movie is a great example of a daughter stepping up and doing what needed to be done to help her mother. Trish also had a great supporting group of friends to help navigate these deeply emotional waters.
The movie was well paced, poignant and thought provoking. You will laugh and cry.
Highly recommend it!
The movie was well paced, poignant and thought provoking. You will laugh and cry.
Highly recommend it!
Love - Committment - Loyalty
regrocha14 February 2023
Thank you for sharing your very difficult but committed and heartfelt mother - daughter journey with the world. The unwavering love, patience and loyalty you had in caring for your mom, and then having Kyle join in the journey was exceptional and very touching,inspirational and full of love.
Trish your movie taught us all a lot about the pain and suffering that this terrible diseae can cause a family and loved ones, but most importantly you showed us ways of also embracing it and dealing with the hardships that it brings.
You were able to take your difficult story by truly engaging the audience by including the mix of humor, animation, and lots of dancing. Who doesnt love dancing!
Your story/film truly is a 10 out of 10 and the world will really love it and embrace your passion and talent.
Trish your movie taught us all a lot about the pain and suffering that this terrible diseae can cause a family and loved ones, but most importantly you showed us ways of also embracing it and dealing with the hardships that it brings.
You were able to take your difficult story by truly engaging the audience by including the mix of humor, animation, and lots of dancing. Who doesnt love dancing!
Your story/film truly is a 10 out of 10 and the world will really love it and embrace your passion and talent.
Heartwarming reality
kylecgunther7 March 2023
Its clear from other viewer reviews that the tale spun and presented by the filmmaker is profound, on so many levels.
I loved the movie, and can personally attest to the accuracy and inspiring elements in/around familial relations, trust, loyalty and love at large.
Key themes are so relatable in this movie, even by those with no past experience with illness amongst loved ones. From start to finish, this feel-good caregiving journey is timeless and will serve as a guide to so many as they aspire to live a meaningful life full of joy and compassion. So many lessons and take-aways packed into a 90 minute film... No doubt I will be watching this again, and passing along to others it should be prioritized on their watch lists.
I loved the movie, and can personally attest to the accuracy and inspiring elements in/around familial relations, trust, loyalty and love at large.
Key themes are so relatable in this movie, even by those with no past experience with illness amongst loved ones. From start to finish, this feel-good caregiving journey is timeless and will serve as a guide to so many as they aspire to live a meaningful life full of joy and compassion. So many lessons and take-aways packed into a 90 minute film... No doubt I will be watching this again, and passing along to others it should be prioritized on their watch lists.
Extraordinary
rfowler-0030915 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It's often said that it takes a community to raise a child; far less often talked about is that it takes a community to care for the elderly. Trish Neufeld's extraordinary film documents her years long caring for her ailing mother, as she faced with grace and dignity a debilitating form of dementia. Surrounded by her close friends, family and her amazing boyfriend, with kindness, humour, and a depth of love rarely seen, we witness a daughter gift her mother the most wonderful final years of her life.
This film is also a gift. It reveals to all of us that there is so much to be gained when people are kind, gentle and loving to each other. You will laugh and you will cry. Above all else you will be inspired to be a better son, a better daughter; you will know you could be a better friend; and you will hold your love ones closer motivated to be the best person you can be.
This film is also a gift. It reveals to all of us that there is so much to be gained when people are kind, gentle and loving to each other. You will laugh and you will cry. Above all else you will be inspired to be a better son, a better daughter; you will know you could be a better friend; and you will hold your love ones closer motivated to be the best person you can be.
Dancing with Mom
marliepoden5 March 2023
What an extraordinary story. Trish Neufeld perfectly captures both the angst and joy of mother/daughter relationships.
Raised by a single mom who is larger than life, engaging, complicated and the centre of her universe, Trish develops both resiliency and empathy, both of which come in handy when her mother is faced with a devastating brain illness.
This true story gives me so much hope for the future. While it has many sad parts, it is also filled with laughter, kindness and incredible friendships.
Just when you think all might be lost when it comes to family, friends and looking out for others- along comes Dancing with Mom.
Outstanding work and I look for more good things from Trish Neufeld.
Raised by a single mom who is larger than life, engaging, complicated and the centre of her universe, Trish develops both resiliency and empathy, both of which come in handy when her mother is faced with a devastating brain illness.
This true story gives me so much hope for the future. While it has many sad parts, it is also filled with laughter, kindness and incredible friendships.
Just when you think all might be lost when it comes to family, friends and looking out for others- along comes Dancing with Mom.
Outstanding work and I look for more good things from Trish Neufeld.
Beautiful and deeply touching
aravindfs-719818 March 2023
I went watching 'Dancing with mom' not really knowing what to expect and now, a few days later, I still find it difficult to articulate how I feel.
The story of Trish's upbringing, her relationship with her mom especially and her mom's diagnosis made me cry many times. The way the story is being told makes you feel you're right there with them. It's open, vulnerable, very human, emotional and still often funny.
The film really takes the audience into the story and makes you think what family means, giving up everything to care for your parent and still bring joy and lightness into each day. It makes you think about how quickly life can change, and not take health for granted and cherish the people who walk through life with you and love you the most.
The story of Trish's upbringing, her relationship with her mom especially and her mom's diagnosis made me cry many times. The way the story is being told makes you feel you're right there with them. It's open, vulnerable, very human, emotional and still often funny.
The film really takes the audience into the story and makes you think what family means, giving up everything to care for your parent and still bring joy and lightness into each day. It makes you think about how quickly life can change, and not take health for granted and cherish the people who walk through life with you and love you the most.
Moving + inspiring!
christaannhull21 February 2023
I am touched, moved and inspired by this film! It is a beautiful story of love, loss, tenacity and generosity of spirit. While heart-breaking at times, it also offers a sense of lightness and humour throughout.
Trish, thank you for the courage to tell this story and share your experience with the world. I know your Mom would be so proud of this work and hopeful that others in a similar position could learn, laugh and feel less alone in the darkest of times. I can't wait for the world to see and celebrate this journey with you, Kyle and your nearest and dearest. I love you to the moon and back!
Trish, thank you for the courage to tell this story and share your experience with the world. I know your Mom would be so proud of this work and hopeful that others in a similar position could learn, laugh and feel less alone in the darkest of times. I can't wait for the world to see and celebrate this journey with you, Kyle and your nearest and dearest. I love you to the moon and back!
A fitting title
gabayley7 March 2023
I laughed, I cried, I cried some more. I loved watching this film. It brings attention to a subject not often addressed or acknowledged. Beautiful journey between two best friends. The use of animation throughout brought light to some heavy and emotional topics, and made me laugh while doing so. I am in admiration of the boyfriend and his devotion to the family, I don't know many men who would be so committed to their partners. Truly admirable. And the twist near the end kept you wondering and still does long after the credits roll. The foresight to get behind the camera while the story unfolded on such a personal level is to be commended. Loved it!
A True Love Story
robmarcyg6 March 2023
This film grabs you from the first moment and never lets go. It's an amazing story that exhibits true friendships, true pain and of course true love. Trish, you have told your story in the most compelling way, mixing in superb animation to help tell a very difficult story. The film mixes laughter, sadness, kindness and true love and friendships all into one.
The film shows the emotional roller coaster that Trish, Kyle and their amazing support group had to endure. My heartfelt thanks for sharing your story in the most amazing way! An incredible example of true love. Trish, you are indeed a very special person.
The film shows the emotional roller coaster that Trish, Kyle and their amazing support group had to endure. My heartfelt thanks for sharing your story in the most amazing way! An incredible example of true love. Trish, you are indeed a very special person.
Awe inspiring
knewbert-773-6709345 March 2023
A story of love, commitment and perseverance. This movie brings tears of joy and utter despair. A true story that is really uplifting and thought provoking. This is like a road trip movie with both fun and heartbreak but still conscious decisions to carry on and not waver on a commitment made to a loved one and to oneself. Starting from childhood and a dream of a normal family to anything but that but still a childhood full of fun and adventure, never mind the loving and caring on all sorts of levels to the people in this anything but normal family. A perfect example of an abnormal family (what family is perfect?) being a joyous, happy family with more than its share of difficulty situations.
A must see for anyone with a parent or relative with a crippling disease that threatens and entire family in the present and into the future.
A must see for anyone with a parent or relative with a crippling disease that threatens and entire family in the present and into the future.
A Must See
dill_pickle_dip5 March 2023
The brilliant director/storyteller Trish Neufeld takes us on a journey of a daughter's unconditional love for her mother in the most impossible of life's circumstances.
As in all great story telling this one had me laughing at the unpredictable, lamenting the unchangeable and feeling the joy in the moments when joy presents itself. Hence the title Dancing with Mom.
In the midst of chaos she finds love. A true love story of her own.
Life is hard, throws us a lot of curve balls, and at times seems impossible. This movie reminds us how beautiful things, often accompany the most challenging moments.
A must see movie.
As in all great story telling this one had me laughing at the unpredictable, lamenting the unchangeable and feeling the joy in the moments when joy presents itself. Hence the title Dancing with Mom.
In the midst of chaos she finds love. A true love story of her own.
Life is hard, throws us a lot of curve balls, and at times seems impossible. This movie reminds us how beautiful things, often accompany the most challenging moments.
A must see movie.
Amazing!
sfergusonlpga15 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Dancing with Mom is a beautifully done film that will have you laughing, crying and everything in between. It's a wonderful movie about a daughter and her mother working through a horrible disease together. It manages to stay fairly light hearted even though the premise of the movie is heavy.
Do yourself a favor and see this film, make sure to bring tissues but know you will leave feeling empowered to truly live life as fully as you can while you have the time.
Thank you for sharing your story Trish Neufeld, I can't imagine how hard it was but everyone is better off for getting to see how to best handle a situation like you were in.
Do yourself a favor and see this film, make sure to bring tissues but know you will leave feeling empowered to truly live life as fully as you can while you have the time.
Thank you for sharing your story Trish Neufeld, I can't imagine how hard it was but everyone is better off for getting to see how to best handle a situation like you were in.
Inspiring and Thought Provoking - True Entertainment
patrickjensen-124835 March 2023
This production is a piece of entertainment that leaves the audience with the ever lasing gift of inspiration, education and personal growth. While the events of the film tell the story of one family, one mother and one daughter, the entirety of the production is relatable to all and forces the audience to look inward and ask powerful questions. The creation and production of a story like this must leave the story tellers vulnerable and emotionally spent - sharing such an intimate story of mystery, love, hope and wonder is truly a gift to film watchers. I was entertained, educated and emotionally moved by this production - don't miss it.
A must see
amyrvancouver7 March 2023
A special movie about an unconventional family and strong willed women 😉 It is deeply personal, and yet offers all of us the opportunity to reflect on how we approach our relationships, how far we would go to honour them, and what celebration and sacrifice mean throughout our lives, and at the end of our days together. It is beautifully told, and you'll be weeping and cheering along with Trish and the friends who join her on the journey. It's an inspiring story of how to follow your own inner compass, make your own decisions and live life to fullest, as if every day might be the last. Go see it!
An amazing story about a mother and daughter's love
akwhitestudios6 March 2023
This film could have been a very hard film to watch because my mother also had Dementia but a much milder version than Trish's mother. Trish managed to add a lot of humor throughout the film and showed everyone who watches this film that no matter what illness a family can face that family love is stronger, especially a love between a mother and daughter. I highly recommend anyone who has dealt with an illness with a family member watch this film. The film gives you hope and strength while dealing with a very debilitating illness. Trish is an amazing person and this film is a beautiful portrayal of love.
A testament to love
fayturpin20 March 2023
This touching documentary is a testament to Trish Neufeld's skills as a movie-maker and story-teller as she courageously explores her mother's decline into dementia. Her intuition to document this tragic and debilitating disease over 8 years serves as an inspiration and guide to anyone having to face the same dilemma. Beautifully filmed, it is both a celebration of life and acceptance of death which raises many questions. It is a poignant love story blending sadness, laughter and hope.
Skillful, light-hearted animation throughout the documentary allows the viewer to safely experience and understand the emotional trauma inflicted by both the past and the present.
This is an important documentary to watch in light of the growing number of people suffering from dementia in our society. So many daughters, and sons, find or will find themselves in Trish's position, grappling with the same life-altering circumstances she so poignantly depicts. It may bring solace to know that they are not alone.
Don't miss this life-affirming production.
Skillful, light-hearted animation throughout the documentary allows the viewer to safely experience and understand the emotional trauma inflicted by both the past and the present.
This is an important documentary to watch in light of the growing number of people suffering from dementia in our society. So many daughters, and sons, find or will find themselves in Trish's position, grappling with the same life-altering circumstances she so poignantly depicts. It may bring solace to know that they are not alone.
Don't miss this life-affirming production.
Incredible story about devotion and love
markangelo-277168 March 2023
Trish Neufeld is an amazing director. She's creative, passionate, talented, and energetic. The title captures the essence of the film perfectly and it deals with circumstances that many viewers will be able to relate to. It's also a story that many have experienced directly. Over several years, Ms. Neufeld chronicles a personal journey that she and her Mom, and later, her partner Kyle, undertake. It's an emotional rollercoaster in so many ways but the story is told in such a loving, dignified and creative way. The director won a Leo Award this year for the screen writing of this film and once you see it, it's easy to appreciate why!
Moving
kneum-1991612 March 2023
This documentary has it all. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Humor and compassion is shown throughout this film. The viewer is educated alongside the participants in this very special documentary about dealing first hand with 'dementia'.
Although this documentary would be extremely helpful to those associated directly to people with dementia it is also for those of us that have already lost our loved ones.
I was concerned before seeing this film that it would be extremely gloomy but i was wrong and very pleasantly surprised. Thank you for sharing/producing this very personal journey with the world.
Although this documentary would be extremely helpful to those associated directly to people with dementia it is also for those of us that have already lost our loved ones.
I was concerned before seeing this film that it would be extremely gloomy but i was wrong and very pleasantly surprised. Thank you for sharing/producing this very personal journey with the world.
Honest, funny and heartwarming
robblepack2 April 2023
The documentary was incredibly emotional and powerful, delving deep into the experience of caregiving and the toll it takes on individuals. The filmmaker was able to capture the complex emotions that come with this responsibility, portraying the ups and downs of happiness, sadness, anger, and most of all, love.
What stood out about this documentary was its honest approach. Trish and her partner Kyle did not shy away from difficult moments or struggles, which added to the genuineness of the story. It is evident that the filmmaker was passionate about her work as she dedicated years of her life to caring for her mother and then creating this film to share her experience with others.
The documentary also sheds light on the realities of caring for someone with dementia, and the gradual decline that loved ones witness. Viewers who have gone through similar situations will undoubtedly find the filmmaker's story relatable and moving.
Overall, this documentary is a must-watch for those who want to gain an insight into the world of caregiving and its profound impact on individuals.
The story is very inspiring and heartwarming, and the filmmaker's honesty and openness will leave you feeling touched and inspired.
What stood out about this documentary was its honest approach. Trish and her partner Kyle did not shy away from difficult moments or struggles, which added to the genuineness of the story. It is evident that the filmmaker was passionate about her work as she dedicated years of her life to caring for her mother and then creating this film to share her experience with others.
The documentary also sheds light on the realities of caring for someone with dementia, and the gradual decline that loved ones witness. Viewers who have gone through similar situations will undoubtedly find the filmmaker's story relatable and moving.
Overall, this documentary is a must-watch for those who want to gain an insight into the world of caregiving and its profound impact on individuals.
The story is very inspiring and heartwarming, and the filmmaker's honesty and openness will leave you feeling touched and inspired.
There are angels .......
leopsmyth13 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Trish has taken us on a most person journey in a complete and courageous way. We learn about a terrible disease, and the impact on both the patient and the caregiver, which is true for so many illnesses. We learn about an incredible bond between a mother and a daughter built through a lifetime of joy and challenges and conflict with each other. We meet a most generous partner in Kyle who is an angel in his own right.
This film is also a wake up call for us all to first of all be open and proactive in recognizing the existence of the various forms of mental illness. In addition we need to ask if we as a society are truly ready to make the investments we need to support those impacted directly as patients and as those providing care.
This film is also a wake up call for us all to first of all be open and proactive in recognizing the existence of the various forms of mental illness. In addition we need to ask if we as a society are truly ready to make the investments we need to support those impacted directly as patients and as those providing care.
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