Ep 11. Thank You For Playing

Thank You For Playing is the 11th episode of season 29 of the PBS television series, POV. This episode is a heart-wrenching exploration of the journey of grief, loss, and hope experienced by a couple after their son is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The film centers on Ryan and Amy Green who, after their terminally ill son Joel is given only a few months to live, turn to the world of video games to express their experiences and emotions.

The documentary takes us through the development of a video game, "That Dragon, Cancer," that Ryan and his team created to give expression to their journey of Joel's illness. The game is a tribute to their son and serves as an outlet for Ryan and Amy's grief and loss. The video game is an interactive, immersive experience that takes players on an emotional journey as they navigate Joel's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, his death.

Thank You For Playing is a deeply moving documentary that captures the heartbreaking story of Joel and his family. Through candid interviews and raw footage, we witness the emotional toll that the illness takes on the family. Ryan and Amy share intimate details of their personal journey, from their initial reaction to Joel's diagnosis to their struggles with ongoing treatment and their eventual acceptance of his passing. Through their story, we see the raw and honest portrayal of what it is like to experience grief and loss.

The documentary also highlights the role that video games play in processing grief and loss. Ryan and his team channel their emotions and experiences into the creation of a video game that tells their story. We see how video games serve as a unique and powerful form of communication and empathy, allowing players to connect with the experiences of others in a visceral way.

Thank You For Playing is a heartfelt tribute to Joel, a powerful story of love, loss, and hope. Through this documentary, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, creativity, and community in dealing with grief and loss. The film is a testament to the power of art in helping us to understand and connect with difficult emotions, and a reminder that we are not alone on our journey.

Overall, Thank You For Playing is a powerful and emotional documentary that captures the rawness of grief and loss. Through the story of Joel and his family, we are reminded of the importance of connection, community, and empathy in processing difficult emotions. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who has experienced loss and for those who want to better understand the power of video games as an art form. So, it is a documentary worth watching.