Ep 9. The Edge of Dreaming

POV season 23 episode 9 titled The Edge of Dreaming focuses on filmmaker Amy Hardie and her journey of self-discovery. The documentary begins with Amy having a recurring dream that shakes her to the core. In the dream, a wild animal jumps into her bed and snarls at her, causing her to wake up screaming. Amy decides to explore the meaning behind her dream and begins a journey across continents and cultures to find answers.

The documentary takes us on a vivid and reflective journey of a woman who has always thought of herself as a rational person and a documentary filmmaker but now is forced to explore the mystical and the spiritual aspects of her life. The journey takes Amy to Scotland, London, and Canada, where she seeks guidance from indigenous healers, helps in a sweat lodge ceremony and even participates in a shamanic drumming session. Through these deeply personal experiences, she begins to uncover the meaning behind her dream and understand that there is something larger than her rational self that is at play.

As we follow Amy's journey through different communities and encounters, we also see her witnessing communities dealing with environmental and social issues that are deeply affecting their way of living. These experiences make her question the fragility of human existence and the role of the environment in shaping our lives.

What stands out in The Edge of Dreaming is Amy's openness and honesty about her journey. We see how she is grappling with issues that are abstract and complex, but despite her unease, she is willing to take a leap of faith. In one scene, she talks about how she has never been good at meditation, but then she decides to give it a try in a class. She is clumsy and awkward, but she doesn't give up and continues to push herself to learn.

Ultimately, The Edge of Dreaming is a film about the power of dreams, the importance of self-reflection, and the power of community. Through Amy's journey, we see how confronting life's mysteries is critical to human growth and how opening ourselves up to different perspectives and experiences can spark profound transformations that ripple outwards, often causing positive shifts in society.

The documentary is beautifully shot, and the sound design is impeccable, capturing the serenity and majesty of the locations Amy visits. The scenes of her walking in nature and taking in the surroundings help the viewer better understand Amy's spiritual journey. The conversations between Amy and the healers and shamans are captivating, and as a viewer, one feels as if they are discovering something new alongside her.

In conclusion, The Edge of Dreaming is a meditative, thought-provoking film that encourages the viewer to engage with the mystical and spiritual aspects of existence. The film is not preachy or didactic; instead, it lets the viewer organically reach conclusions. POV season 23 episode 9 speaks to the universal human desire to explore life beyond the material, and it does so with sensitivity, respect, and care. It's a film that leaves a lasting impression, and one that is sure to start conversations about dreams, spirituality and the role of the environment.