Watch The Possibilities Are Endless

The Possibilities Are Endless is a beautiful and emotional documentary-style film that explores the life of Scottish musician Edwyn Collins following his devastating stroke in 2005. Directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall, the film takes an intimate look at Collins' journey to regain his independence and rediscover his passion for music.

The film opens with a series of picturesque scenes of Collins' home country of Scotland, accompanied by his classic hit "A Girl Like You". We then hear his wife, Grace Maxwell, recount the moment she found Collins lying unconscious in their home, having suffered a major stroke. The next few scenes depict his eventual recovery from the stroke, but with heavy emphasis on the physical and emotional struggles he must overcome in order to function again.

Rather than a traditional documentary with talking heads, The Possibilities Are Endless uses a combination of documentary-style footage, animation, and reenactments to capture Collins' experiences. The film takes us to his childhood home and introduces us to his family and his earliest memories. It also shows his rise to fame in the 80s with the band Orange Juice, and the subsequent success of his solo career.

The film explores the idea of artistic creativity as a form of healing, with Collins slowly rediscovering his musical ability through therapy and rehabilitation. We get to see him interact with various musicians who have worked with him over the years, and hear his songs morph from old recordings to new renditions. This creative process is a cathartic experience for Collins, and it's heartwarming to see him regain his confidence and love for music.

Throughout the film, Collins' wife Grace plays a central role as both a caregiver and a confidante. We see her tireless efforts to help her husband, even as he lashes out in frustration and anger due to his condition. Despite this, their love for each other shines through in a beautiful and touching way.

The Possibilities Are Endless also touches on Collins' love for his children, and how they are there to help him through his darkest moments. His son William is a constant presence throughout the film, accompanying Collins on trips and appearing in several reenactments of family memories. His daughter Isobel also makes a brief appearance, and we get a sense of the bond she shares with her father.

The film's score is composed entirely of Edwyn Collins' music, and it's stunning to listen to as it ramps up and mellows out with the story's progression. The film also deploys some beautiful animations that break up the real-life footage at just the right moments. These artsy touches help to create both an intimate and otherworldly feel to the film, which perfectly captures the story of Edwyn Collins.

Overall, The Possibilities Are Endless is a touching and intimate documentary that gives an insight into a tragic and difficult period in the life of a legendary musician. It's heartwarming to see Collins' comeback to the musical world, and how he refuses to let his condition hold him back. The close bond he shares with his wife and children is evident throughout, and the film leaves you with a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

The Possibilities Are Endless is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.