The Stroke

Filmmaker Kirsten Johnson turns the camera on her own family, exploring their history of strokes and the profound impact these events have had on their lives. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, she grapples with themes of memory, mortality, and the ways we care for one another in the face of illness.

The Stroke was widely acclaimed by critics for its deeply personal and unflinching examination of family, illness, and the nature of memory. Reviewers praised Johnson's innovative filmmaking and emotional honesty in navigating a difficult subject.

• A profoundly moving and intellectually stimulating documentary.

• Kirsten Johnson's intimate filmmaking is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

• An essential film about family, caregiving, and the fragility of life.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film for its emotional depth and its insightful portrayal of family dynamics when confronting serious illness. Many found it to be a poignant and thought-provoking experience that resonated deeply.

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival; Won the National Board of Review Award for Best Documentary.

Director Kirsten Johnson initially intended to make a film about her father's stroke recovery, but the project evolved to encompass the broader family history and the experiences of multiple family members who had suffered strokes.