Clouds : Movie Review

 CLOUDS

Director : Justin Baldoni

Genre : Drama/Musical

Cast : Sabrina Carpenter (Sammy), Fin Argus (Zach Sobiech) and others

Release Date : October 9, 2020

Rating : 4.9/5

Duration : 2 hr 1min

Language : English

Reviewed By : Shravni Datta Borade

When Zach Sobiech posted his song "Clouds" to YouTube, he was a senior in high school. It gained popularity online and resulted in a recording deal and a concert appearance. We'll go up, up, up, but I'll fly a bit higher, go up in the clouds because the view's a little sweeter, wild-eyed fans sang along with the chorus.

Zach had the idea for the song's lyrics while flying, but he wasn't just looking out the window when he was inspired. Returning from Lourdes in search of a miracle after receiving a terminal diagnosis required a flight.

Zach was initially identified as having bone cancer when he was 14 years old. At the start of this film, four years later, he is 17 years old and has finished 20 rounds of treatment. His colleagues are finishing up their essays for college applications. Zach learns from his physicians that his disease is no longer curable as they reflect on their pasts and plan for the future. His final months are chronicled in "Clouds," along with his first love, best friend, hit song, and the effects of his diagnosis and music on those close to him.

Zach (Fin Argus) informs us that teenagers believe they are unstoppable. He is used to dealing with cancer. That entails more than simply adjusting to using crutches, being bald, and throwing up. It entails exerting considerable effort to maintain a cheerful demeanour so as to make those around him feel at ease. Sammy is his best friend (Sabrina Carpenter). They communicate with one another with the ease of being long-time friends. He performs at the school concert in place of her when she last-minute cancels due to anxiety, and the audience joins in on the laughter as he sings the insulting song, "I'm Hot and I Know It." When she tries to inquire about his well-being, he says, "It's just tough juggling high school with undercovers assassin work."

And when he receives the terrible news, his first thought is, "Can I stop taking chemotherapy?" It will be as near to normal as it can be for the remaining period. This movie has a unique insight into what it means to try to act "normally" in the face of extreme pain. We can feel the pressure as everyone in the family—including Zach, his parents Neve Campbell and Tom Everett Scott, and his siblings—maintains a sporadic cheeriness while probably trying to persuade both themselves and one another. His mother counsels him to see the silver lining in everything, does an online search for Lourdes, and demands that they travel as a family in case a miracle occurs. Zach's father makes arrangements so that he can experience driving his ideal vehicle. We witness how their marriage has deteriorated as a result of stress, grief, and frustration.

Yet, Zach is the main subject of attention, and how his limited free time impacts typical teenage worries. He has feelings for Amy (Madison Iseman of the "Jumanji" movies). He must craft a compelling "proposal." He needs to explain why he didn't show up for their first date because he was in the hospital. And even though he knows it would hurt her, he must allow himself to be loved.

Sammy and Zach upload their music. It takes flight. Also, there is a sequence that is identical to "That Thing You Do" when the song is first heard on the radio in a humorous tribute to Tom Everett Scott's most well-known part.

As Zach's teacher, Lil Rel Howrey exudes warmth and vitality. Tell me, what are you going to do with your one wild and beautiful life," the poet Mary Oliver asks the class as he gives them advice on how to write their college application essays. It serves as a catalyst for introspection for the remainder of the class to aid their college application. The query is urgent and important to Zach. For the rest of us, watching this movie serves as a timely reminder that living a wild and valuable life should not need waiting to soar above the sky.