The Man Who Lost His Face

Watch The Man Who Lost His Face

  • 2011
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (19)

The Man Who Lost His Face is a heart-wrenching documentary that premiered on TLC in 2011. The show portrays the journey of a young man who lost his face in a heinous bear attack in North Carolina. From the start, the audience is fully immersed in the chaotic and emotional world of Matthew McGrory, struggling to come to terms with his new life after the horrific incident.

Matthew was only 21 years old when tragedy struck him. He was visiting his girlfriend's family home and decided to take a walk in the woods. Suddenly, he was attacked by a black bear who mauled him and left him for dead. He struggled for his life for hours until he was finally rescued and airlifted to hospital. Doctors did what they could to save his life, but his face was beyond repair. For the next few years, Matthew went through a series of surgeries and faced life as a facially disfigured man.

Through interviews with the family, friends, and doctors of Matthew, we get an in-depth look at the immense difficulties he faced. His once-handsome face was now gone, his nose was missing, and his mouth was deformed. He had to relearn how to speak, eat and drink, and most importantly, learn how to cope with the societal stigma and self-loathing that came with facial disfigurement. The show furthermore shows how Matthew's mother became his ultimate caregiver - she would drive him to appointments and be there for him throughout all of his surgeries.

As the audience journeys through Matthew's recovery process, we see his transformation from a devastated man to one of the most inspirational people, fighting for facially disfigured people's rights. Despite the physical trauma he endured, he perseveres with a strong will to live and becomes a beacon of hope to others. His story is not just about a bear attack victim - it's about the strength of the human spirit and the resilience that a person can have amidst great pain and suffering.

The Man Who Lost His Face not only offers a candid look at the life of a facial trauma survivor, but it educates the audience on the challenges and stigmas that come with being facially disfigured. The show asserts that physical beauty is a human birthright, but it can easily be taken away because of beyond one’s control - as was the case with Matthew. The program includes real-life conversations with people who have experienced facial disfiguration, and it raises awareness about the need for change in our insensitive attitudes towards those who live with facial deformities.

Overall, The Man Who Lost His Face is an emotionally touching journey that educates the general public on the psychological and emotional aspects of traumatic disfigurement. The show underscores the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's actions when it comes to sensitivity towards others. It further shows how one can turn their tragedy and pain into something positive by fighting for the rights of other individuals experiencing the same problems. The show imparts the message that regardless of physical beauty, every person deserves respect, empathy, and kindness.

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Seasons
The Man Who Lost His Face
1. The Man Who Lost His Face
February 20, 2011
A massive facial tumor threatens to kill Jose Mestre. In search of a miracle, Jose and his sister Edith travel from Portugal to Chicago, where plastic surgeon Dr. McKay McKinnon attempts to perform lifesaving surgery.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 20, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (19)