Down

Kirsten Johnson's documentary "Down" is a deeply personal exploration of the director's relationship with her father, a retired criminal defense attorney, and her own evolving understanding of life, death, and memory. Through archival footage, home videos, and present-day observations, Johnson weaves a tapestry of familial love, mortality, and the human condition. The film grapples with the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and the ways we try to hold onto loved ones as they change.

"Down" garnered significant critical acclaim for its profound emotional depth, innovative storytelling, and unflinching examination of sensitive themes. Critics lauded Johnson's ability to transform a personal tragedy into a universally resonant work that is both heartbreaking and life-affirming.

• A profoundly moving and intimate portrait of a father-daughter relationship.

• Praised for its innovative and deeply personal documentary filmmaking.

• Explores themes of memory, mortality, and love with remarkable honesty.

Google audience: Viewers found "Down" to be an incredibly touching and powerful film, often describing it as a beautiful tribute to family and the passage of time. Many appreciated its raw emotional honesty and the unique way it addressed difficult subjects like Alzheimer's.

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.

Director Kirsten Johnson previously directed the acclaimed documentary "Cameraperson" (2016), which also featured her unique observational style and personal reflections.