Watch End Game

End Game is a heart-wrenching documentary that explores the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care through the stories of several terminal patients, their families, and their doctors. It was directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman and premiered on Netflix on May 4th, 2018. The film begins with a quote from the philosopher Epicurus: "It's not that we have a short life, but we waste a lot of it." This sets the tone for the film, which is not just about death, but about how we can make the most of the time we have left. The first patient we meet is Mitra, a woman with stage four liver cancer who is receiving hospice care at home. Mitra is a retired psychologist, and she uses her own training to help her cope with her illness. She talks about the importance of living in the present moment and finding joy in small things.

Next, we meet Bruce, a former pilot with ALS who is losing his ability to speak and move. Bruce is determined to stay alive long enough to see his son graduate from college, and he has a team of caregivers who help him communicate and go out into the world. Bruce's story is a reminder of how much we take for granted when we're healthy, and how important it is to have support when we're not.

The film also introduces us to several doctors who specialize in end-of-life care, including Dr. B.J. Miller, a palliative care physician who lost both his legs and one arm in an accident when he was a college student. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need for compassion and connection in end-of-life care, and he challenges the idea that dying is a medical problem that needs to be solved. He believes that death is a natural part of life, and that all of us will benefit by acknowledging that fact.

We also meet Dr. Diane Meier, a geriatrician who founded the Center to Advance Palliative Care. Dr. Meier believes that everyone should have access to quality end-of-life care, no matter where they live or how much money they have. She talks about the importance of integrating palliative care into the medical system, so that patients and families can get the support they need throughout the dying process.

Throughout the film, we see patients and families grappling with the practical and emotional challenges of terminal illness. There are moments of fear and sadness, but also moments of grace and humor. We see one woman celebrate her 65th birthday with a cake that says "carpe diem," and another woman make sure that her beloved dog will be taken care of after she's gone.

One of the most striking things about the film is the way it portrays death as a natural, even beautiful process. We see patients surrounded by loved ones, listening to music, or simply resting peacefully. We see caregivers providing comfort and support, and doctors offering guidance and reassurance. It's a reminder that dying isn't something to be feared or hidden away, but something that can be embraced and honored.

The film ends with a scene of a patient's family scattering his ashes in the ocean. They hold hands and say a prayer, and as the ashes fly into the wind, they are enveloped by a sense of peace and closure. It's a powerful reminder that even in the face of death, there can be beauty and hope.

In conclusion, End Game is an important and thought-provoking film that offers a close-up look at the dying process. It's a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that all of us can benefit by being more open and compassionate about it. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to live life to the fullest, this film is well worth watching.

End Game is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.