I Am Breathing 2013

I AM BREATHING follows the year in the life of Neil Platt, a lively, funny British man whose world is upended by a diagnosis of ALS—also known as MND or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In a relatively short span, this devasting illness progresses to paralyzing him from the neck down, yet the film stays anchored in his voice, warmth, and unwavering spirit. As the body fails, his perspective shifts, and while his humor persists, a new, hard-won wisdom begins to surface: “It’s amazing how adaptable we are when we have to be. It’s what separates us and defines us as human beings.”

With time seemingly limited and his ability to speak still intact, he begins to write a letter and assemble a memory box for his baby son Oscar Platt. The film uses his own blog as the spine of the narrative, letting his candid posts carry us through the arc of a life that is at once ordinary and extraordinary. Through these entries, we hear his thoughts on love, the thrill of youth, and the everyday rituals that give meaning to existence, all rendered with a directness that invites trust and reflection.

The storytelling blends his plainspoken reflections with intimate imagery—the quiet pleasure of a shared kiss, the exhilaration of late-night parties, the rush of a fast motorbike ride, and the simple joy of family and friends gathered around a table. Each memory is framed by sensory detail, turning small moments into something richly meaningful and universal. The film doesn’t shy away from pain or loss; instead, it presses against them with humor and honesty, showing how a life can feel complete even as time narrows.

In this deeply personal chronicle, the act of sharing becomes a form of resilience. His blog posts form the film’s narration, guiding us through memories, hopes, fears, and the stubborn optimism that keeps him engaged with the world he loves. By placing the audience inside his experience, the documentary asks us to consider our own priorities and the ways we choose to live when mortality is near.

It’s amazing how adaptable we are when we have to be. It’s what separates us and defines us as human beings.

As the final chapters unfold, I AM BREATHING presents a powerful portrait of a life fully felt—loved, celebrated, and openly faced. It is a quiet reminder that endurance isn’t about conquering fate but about embracing every moment with honesty, affection, and courage. The film leaves us with a lingering sense that ordinary days, when lived with intention, become enduring legacies.