Watch Every 21 Seconds

Every 21 Seconds is a drama film from 2018 that tells the story of a basketball player named Chris Connors, played by Shannon Brown, who suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident. The film explores the consequences that Chris and his family have to face in the aftermath of the accident, and how they cope with the challenges and uncertainties that come with Chris's recovery.

The movie starts with Chris playing a game in which he scores the winning basket, but soon after, he gets into a car accident that leaves him with a TBI. The accident is shown in a series of flashbacks that intercut with scenes of Chris lying in a hospital bed, unable to move or speak. His family, including his wife, Jen (Kelly Thiebaud), and his father, Bill (Jim O'Heir), are devastated by the news and struggle to come to terms with the extent of Chris's injuries.

As Chris begins his rehabilitation, the film shows the difficulties that he faces during this process. The first time he tries to walk, he falls, and the first time he tries to speak, he can only manage to say the words "every 21 seconds." This phrase becomes a recurring motif throughout the film, representing the battle that Chris and his family have to face every day, as they try to regain normalcy in their lives.

The movie also shows the impact that Chris's accident has on his relationships with his family and friends. His wife, Jen, becomes his primary caregiver and is faced with the overwhelming responsibility of looking after her husband while also dealing with her own feelings of grief and loss. Jen tries to be strong for Chris, but as time passes, she starts to question if she's doing the right thing.

Chris's relationship with his father, Bill, is also strained. Bill is a former basketball player who pushed Chris to pursue a career in the sport, and the accident makes him reflect on his own choices and the role he played in Chris's injury. Bill also feels guilty about not being there for Chris when he needed him, and he struggles to connect with his son in a meaningful way.

The film also touches on the issue of TBI and its long-term effects. Chris's injury not only affects his physical abilities but also his cognitive functions, and he experiences memory loss and confusion. His doctors tell him that his recovery will be a slow and uncertain process, and he may never be able to return to his former life as a professional athlete.

Every 21 Seconds is a poignant and heartfelt film that explores the complex emotions and challenges that come with a TBI. The movie can be uncomfortable to watch at times, as it shows the raw and painful reality of life after a traumatic brain injury. However, the film also has moments of hope and resilience, as Chris and his family learn to navigate their new normal and find strength in each other.

The performances in the movie are excellent, with Shannon Brown delivering a powerful portrayal of a man struggling to come to terms with his new reality. Kelly Thiebaud also shines as his wife, Jen, conveying the emotional turmoil that comes with being a caregiver. Jim O'Heir provides a nuanced performance as Chris's father, Bill, who is forced to confront his own shortcomings as a parent.

In conclusion, Every 21 Seconds is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores the impact of TBI on individuals and their families. Its portrayal of the challenges and uncertainties of the recovery process is honest and realistic, and the performances are outstanding. The film provides a compassionate and empathetic view of the struggles faced by those with a TBI, and it is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this condition.

Every 21 Seconds is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.