Watch I'll Push You

I'll Push You is a heartwarming and inspirational documentary that follows the journey of two best friends, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, as they take on the impossible task of traversing the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain. The catch? Justin is in a wheelchair and Patrick will have to push him every step of the way. The documentary begins with Patrick and Justin reminiscing about their childhood and the difficulties that Justin faced growing up with a neuromuscular disease called multifocal acquired motor axonopathy (MAMA). This disease eventually left Justin paralyzed from the neck down, but it never stopped him from living his life to the fullest. After Justin shares his desire to walk the Camino de Santiago, Patrick, without hesitation, agrees to make it a reality. They joke about how they'll need to find a strong and handsome young man to push Justin along the 500-mile journey, but they quickly realize that Patrick is the only one who can do it.

As the two friends prepare for their journey, they look to their families and communities for support. They both have young children and loving wives who have concerns about their safety and physical abilities, but they are all there to encourage and cheer them on. Patrick's wife Bethany even joins them on their training hikes and is a crucial member of their support team.

When the day finally arrives, Patrick and Justin are full of nervous energy and excitement. They start off strong, but quickly realize the sheer magnitude of the task they've undertaken. The terrain is difficult and unpredictable, and they encounter obstacles that threaten to put an end to their journey at every turn. However, they also meet incredible people along the way who offer them kindness, hope, and inspiration.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the idea of interdependence. Patrick and Justin constantly rely on each other for strength and support. Justin needs Patrick's physical strength to get him through the treacherous terrain, but Patrick needs Justin's indomitable spirit to keep him going when the going gets tough. They learn to trust each other more than ever before and this deepens their already profound friendship.

Another core theme is the power of community. Throughout the journey, Patrick and Justin encounter people who are willing to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or make a small sacrifice to make their journey easier. From the hostel owner who offers them a free room for the night, to the strangers who carry Justin's wheelchair up a steep hill, to the volunteers who help them transfer from place to place, the kindness and generosity of others constantly amazes them. They also see how their journey inspires others to be kind and compassionate to those around them, and how it brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together.

The documentary also provides a glimpse into the history and culture of the Camino de Santiago. Patrick and Justin stop at various landmarks and historical sites along the way and learn about the rich history behind the Camino. They also encounter other pilgrims from all over the world who are undertaking the same journey for a variety of reasons.

Throughout the journey, Patrick and Justin face numerous challenges - from unexpected weather to serious medical issues. However, they also learn to rely on their faith and spirituality to get them through the tough times. There are moments of both triumph and defeat, but the documentary ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of hope, love, and gratitude.

I'll Push You is a truly moving documentary that highlights the beauty of friendship, interdependence, community, and the human spirit. It shows that even the most daunting task can be accomplished with determination, love, and a willingness to rely on others. The film is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and kindness in our world.

I'll Push You is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.