Watch Forgotten Plague

The documentary "Forgotten Plague" from 2015, directed by Ryan Prior, examines the debilitating disease commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Featuring testimonials from physicians, scientists, and patients, the film aims to raise awareness of this poorly understood illness and its impact on those afflicted by it.

The film opens with a brief history of CFS and its dismissal by the medical establishment as a psychological disorder. However, as more patients came forward with similar symptoms, medical researchers began investigating the cause of their illness. The film introduces Dr. Anthony Komaroff, a well-known Harvard researcher, and other scientists who have dedicated their careers to studying CFS.

The documentary then follows the stories of several CFS patients, including Jennifer Brea, the film's producer, who becomes bedridden after developing the illness. Through her personal journey, Brea shares the frustrations of many CFS patients who struggle with misdiagnosis, medical skepticism, and lack of treatment options.

The film then delves into the science of CFS, explaining how the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, and the energy production system are all affected in CFS patients. The documentary challenges the idea that CFS is a psychological condition, demonstrating the physical manifestations of the illness through brain scans, immune system tests, and other medical procedures.

Interspersed with patient testimonials and expert interviews, the film also explores the social and political implications of CFS. The documentary highlights the lack of funding for CFS research and the stigma associated with the illness. For example, the film includes clips from popular media outlets that mock CFS patients, dismissing their symptoms as "yuppie flu" or "lazy."

"Forgotten Plague" ultimately makes a compelling case for recognizing CFS as a serious medical condition that needs attention and funding. The documentary educates viewers on the physical and emotional toll of CFS, while also offering hope through new research initiatives and better understanding of the illness.

Throughout the documentary, the director Ryan Prior uses powerful imagery to depict the debilitating nature of the disease. For example, one scene shows Brea crawling up stairs due to muscle weakness, another shows a patient lying on a hospital bed for months on end. These images help the audience understand the severity of the illness and empathize with those affected by it.

The film also does well in representing the severity of the situation by not shying away from the hard conversations about the lack of institutional support and funding for the disease. It calls on medical professionals, policymakers, and the media to take CFS seriously.

Although the film lacks a traditional narrative arc, the subject matter and emphasis on patient testimonials make the documentary engaging throughout. The stories of CFS patients provide emotional depth to the film, while the expert interviews add context and scientific rigor. The documentary offers a comprehensive overview of CFS to those who may be unfamiliar with the illness or may have limited knowledge.

In conclusion, "Forgotten Plague" is a thought-provoking and informative documentary that sheds light on a severely under-represented illness. The film is successful in raising awareness of the challenges faced by CFS patients and educating the wider public about the physical and emotional toll of the illness. The documentary offers a poignant insight into the impact CFS can have on individuals, while also making a strong case for increased research incentives and funding. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the current state of medical research, the intersection of science, politics and healthcare, and the power of personal storytelling.

Forgotten Plague is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.