Watch The Ataxian

The Ataxian is an inspiring and emotional documentary film that chronicles the journey of Kyle Bryant, a young man battling Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a rare, debilitating neuromuscular disorder that affects coordination and speech. The film follows Kyle as he embarks on a grueling and dangerous cycling journey across America to raise awareness and funding for FA research.

The film begins with a brief overview of FA and how it affects those who suffer from it. Kyle shares his story of how he was diagnosed with FA when he was only 17 years old and his initial struggle to come to terms with his illness. Despite the challenges, Kyle is determined to make a difference and bring attention to this underfunded and overlooked disease that affects so many.

With the help of his friends, Sean Baumstark and John Davidson, Kyle sets out on a cross-country cycling adventure called "Ride Ataxia" to raise awareness and funds for FA research. The journey is intense, covering more than 3,000 miles over the course of 60 days. Through breathtaking scenery and heart-wrenching moments, the film captures the highs and lows of the ride as the riders battle fatigue, injuries, and equipment failures.

As the ride progresses, the film introduces us to other people living with FA who share their stories and struggles. These individuals are inspirational, and their unique perspectives on life with the disease are both moving and enlightening. The struggles they overcome are shown to be significant, from difficulties with basic tasks such as walking to the impact of the disease upon their relationships and careers.

In addition to highlighting the stories of individuals with FA, the film also explores the science behind the disease and the exciting research advancements that have been made in recent years. While FA is still an incurable disease, advancements in genomic medicine through gene therapy offer real hope for those affected by it, including Kyle.

Throughout the film, Kyle inspires hope through his courage and determination. He is a true example of what it means to never give up, and his spirit is infectious. His message of awareness and the need for research funding for FA is an urgent and poignant reminder of the importance of supporting those affected by this underfunded and overlooked disease.

In conclusion, The Ataxian is an inspiring and emotional film that highlights the struggles faced by those with FA and brings awareness to a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The documentary captures the power of the human spirit and the incredible perseverance of those who refuse to be defined by their illnesses. The film is beautifully crafted and will leave viewers with a lasting sense of hope and inspiration.

The Ataxian is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.