Don’t Miss “SAY HER” Film In Theaters Soon

Synopsis:

“SAY HER” tells the story of Clay, an aging weightlifter with mental health challenges who cannot relinquish his longshot dream of competing in the Olympics. Coming from a life of pain, including the struggles he sees on Chicago streets with senseless crimes, Clay battles his emotions but sparks a supportive friendship with an unlikely stranger named Mo.  Together, they face their issues head-on, ultimately discovering their true purpose in our world.

“SAY HER” is a voice for the voiceless on multiple levels: the sport of weightlifting, which has flown under the radar for a long time in the US and is ready to explode out of its shell with the incredible performance by TEAM USA at the Paris 2024 Games; children on the streets of Chicago just trying to survive amidst unprecedented gun violence known throughout the world, individuals with significant mental health challenges that don’t get their stories told, and the blue-collar trades that build our infrastructure and make our cities so beautiful without getting recognition for their amazing work.”

This is an Arthouse Film. Directed and produced by Jared Kirchheimer.

Review:

Wow!!!  What a beautiful film!! In so many ways! I love the way the story unfolds, much like unwrapping layers of a precious gift. I love the characters and the pacing of the film.  At times it felt meditative and calm despite the difficult subject of mental health.  Almost as if guiding and protecting the viewer gently through the issues with the same compassion Fred has for Clay.

I can tell every shot was thought out. The framing and placement of each is so beautiful and artistic. Since I work with visual art, I can really appreciate the compositions, the strategic use and placement of colors and textures. Even the colors of Clay’s plaid shirt worked so well. And the scene with Fred in his pink overalls is priceless! I immediately fell in love with him and his mannerisms. (He reminds me a lot of my father who was a “gentle giant” with a heart of gold.) The room in this scene is alive with color and childhood and hope. It felt like a rebirth. The firetruck was a nice touch!

The ending of the film was truly emotional.  I cared for Clay more than ever. He found his Port in the Storm, his redemption. I immediately wanted to watch it again to catch what I may have missed and absorb more of the nuances. I kept trying to understand the name of the film and it finally hit me, even that is complex.

What a labor of love!  Jared, you are so talented, and I appreciate you sharing and trusting me with the preview.

Blythe Lee

Freelance Film and Critic Writer
Trailer:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rACSBuw0nxxltrYnYdC4J-3Mja4q51Ls/view?usp=sha

Interview:  https://youtu.be/t8RgyfZTGOk

Coming soon!

Photo Credits by Jared Kirchheimer