Where to watch: AMC+, Shudder
Content warning: death, illness, abortion, pregnancy, animal cruelty, medical procedures, hospitals
Non-Spoiler Synopsis: Rose is a pathologist dedicated to resurrecting the dead. Celie is a nurse whose daughter died suddenly. Their worlds collide, changing their destinies forever.
Ratings (out of 5)
Blood:🩸
Psychological & Suspense: 💀
Grief: 💧💧💧💧
Overall😱😱😱
Worth the Watch?
"Birth/Rebirth" was written by Laura Moss and Brendan J. O'Brien, directed by Laura Moss, and released in 2023. Celie, a devoted maternity nurse and single mother, finds herself alongside Rose, a determined pathologist committed to their respective roles in the hospital and the pursuit of life's mysteries. Tragically, Celie experiences the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter to bacterial meningitis. This devastating event catalyzes Rose's research and ultimately brings Celie and Rose together. Through its exploration of life, death, fertility, grief, and love, this compelling film profoundly reflects on the human experience.
I truly enjoyed this movie as someone specializing in grief and a parent.
**Spoilers ahead-read with caution**
When Cellie's daughter, Lila, succumbs to bacterial meningitis, Rose seizes the opportunity to take the child's body, hoping to advance her research. Cellie, overwhelmed by guilt and grief, grapples with the pain of being a single working mother who couldn't be with her daughter in her final moments. She only saw Lila in the morning before rushing off to work, learning of her daughter's hospitalization and subsequent passing later in the day.
Upon discovering her daughter's body missing, Cellie embarks on a determined quest to find her, eventually leading her to Rose. Driven by her dedication to her work, Rose goes to extreme lengths, including impregnating herself to extract fetal fluid to support Lila's new life. This risky procedure results in an infection, rendering Rose infertile and hampering her research efforts.
In contrast, Cellie remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving her daughter's life, even resorting to unconventional means with Rose's assistance, utilizing another pregnant woman's embryonic fluids.
Rose and Cellie epitomize contrasting facets of humanity; Rose is logical and scientific-minded, often appearing to lack emotions. Despite their differences, they complement each other, forming a unique bond.
At its core, this film prompts viewers to ponder the depths of love and the lengths one would go for it.
Dive Deeper
“Birth/Rebirth” dives deep into the complexities of motherhood, starting from conception to infertility to motherhood itself.
The grief associated with infertility, stillbirths, and miscarriages is frequently overlooked or minimized, with its profound sorrow often disregarded. For numerous women, grief is compounded by trauma as they endure multiple procedures in attempts to conceive. Other women experience the trauma and heartbreak of miscarriages or stillbirths.
If you have lost a child to stillbirth, miscarriage, or are experiencing infertility:
Your grief is valid
Be gentle with yourself
Seek empathic supports
Talk to a counselor, therapist or join a support group
Participate in rituals that honor and support your grief
If you know someone who has lost a child to miscarriage:
DO NOT SAY:
"It wasn't meant to be."
"You can always try again."
"At least it happened early."
"Maybe it's for the best."
"It's nature's way of ending a pregnancy that wasn't viable."
"You're young; you have plenty of time to have another baby."
"Just relax and it will happen when the time is right."
"It's common; many women go through this."
"You weren't that far along, so it's not that big of a deal."
"Maybe you did something to cause it."
DO SAY:
"I can't imagine what you're going through, but I'm here for you."
"Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to grieve."
"Take all the time you need to heal, physically and emotionally."
"You are not alone; I'm here to listen whenever you want to talk."
Remember to be sensitive to the individual's feelings and allow them to express their emotions without judgment. Simply being present and offering your support can make a significant difference in their healing process.
If you know someone who lost a child to stillbirth:
DON’T SAY
"It's better this way; there was probably something wrong with the baby."
"At least you didn't get to know the baby."
"You can always have another baby."
"Maybe it happened for a reason."
"You need to move on and focus on the future."
"It's time to get over it; it's been long enough."
"You're lucky you didn't have to deal with raising a child with disabilities."
"You're young; you can try again."
"It's God's plan."
"You need to be strong for your family.”
DO SAY:
"I can't imagine the pain you're going through. Please know that I'm here for you.
"Your baby was loved and will always be remembered."
“I’m here to listen whenever you need to talk, cry, or just be silent."
Remember to be understanding, patient, and nonjudgmental as the person navigates their grief journey. Your presence and support can provide a source of solace and comfort during this challenging time.
If you know someone experiencing infertility:
DON’T SAY:
"Just relax and it will happen."
"Why don't you just adopt?"
"Maybe it's not meant to be."
"You're not trying hard enough."
"You're too stressed; that's why you can't conceive."
"Have you considered fertility treatments? It worked for [someone else]."
"You're so lucky you don't have kids; they're such a handful."
"You're still young; you have plenty of time."
"Maybe you're not meant to be parents."
"Why don't you just enjoy your freedom and not worry about having kids?"
DO SAY:
"Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to grieve the loss of the family you envisioned."
"You're not alone in this journey. I'm here to listen whenever you need to talk."
"It's okay to take a break from discussing fertility treatments or pregnancy if it's too overwhelming."
"Remember that your worth is not defined by your ability to conceive. You are valuable just as you are."
"Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically is essential right now. What can I do to support you?"
It's crucial to approach the topic with empathy, avoid offering unsolicited advice or solutions, and let the person know that you're there for them no matter what. Your understanding and support can make a significant difference during their infertility journey.
Working with guilt
We witness Celie’s guilt after her daughter’s death. Guilt is a common companion to grief. We question what we could have done differently and why we didn’t.
Guilt arises when we believe we've committed wrongdoing, often feeling accountable for causing harm to others. While it can catalyze self-reflection and growth, excessive guilt may impede our ability to heal. Clinging to feelings of guilt can damage our self-esteem and lead to a sense of stagnation
If you are experiencing guilt related to grief:
Seek support from a professional
Talk to empathic, nonjudgemental people
How can you forgive yourself?
Write a letter to the deceased and send it in a helium balloon, or burn it in a fire.
Talk to the deceased.
Passion and Love
Lastly, this film explores how we engage with passions or loves.
For Rose, it is her work; for Cellie, it is her daughter.
Take out your journal and ask yourself:
What are you passionate about?
What do you love?
How do you honor your passions?
How do you express love?
Do you feel you have healthy boundaries with your passions and loves? (Or are you like Cellie and Rose and cross other’s boundaries?)
**end spoilers**
Final Screams and Thoughts
"Birth/Rebirth" is a thought-provoking exploration of love, grief, and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go for those they hold dear. Through the contrasting characters of Cellie and Rose, the film highlights the complexities of human emotion and the interplay between logic and emotion in the face of profound loss. Ultimately, "Birth/Rebirth" offers a compelling reflection on the enduring power of love to transcend boundaries and shape the human experience.
Want more?
If you are a fan of Frankenstein themes, you might enjoy:
Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (this is a great movie, and a review is coming!)
The original Frankenstein
A favorite from my childhood, Young Frankenstein
Or read the original book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
This book is on my TBR list: Unwieldy Creatures
Or do a Google search. There are so many options. to watch and read!
New movie review on Wednesdays
Is there a movie you’d love to discuss or want me to review, please comment.
❤️Thoughts? Have you watched any of these movies? Movies you’d like me to review? Love to hear what your thoughts!❤️
Disclaimer: The resources provided in this article are intended to offer support, guidance, and information to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being. However, it is essential to recognize that the information provided is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. While the materials included may offer valuable strategies and insights, they are not tailored to individual circumstances, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Mental health is a complex and deeply personal matter, and seeking the guidance of a qualified mental health professional is highly recommended for personalized assessment and treatment. By accessing and using the resources provided in this article, you acknowledge and understand that they are not a substitute for professional mental health services. The creators of this article are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in your journey toward well-being.