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Writer's Grief Journey: A Raw Look at Loss
4 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Film explores writer Tom's struggle with isolation after profound loss.
- Director Kelsey aimed for a realistic portrayal of life, love, and grief.
- The movie delves into mental health battles and finding normalcy in struggle.
Director Kelsey makes his feature film debut with "Above Ground," a deeply personal exploration of grief, isolation, and the arduous journey back to life. The narrative follows Tom, a writer who retreats from the world following a devastating loss, forcing him to confront his inner demons and the absence of a true home.
Kelsey describes the screenplay as being "in the vein of a Chekhov play," eschewing typical cinematic tropes for a raw, authentic portrayal of human experience. He stated the film is an "ode to loss and hope for the future," aiming to normalize conversations around mental health and the universal struggle of not always being "OK."
The film's cast includes Christian Zuber, Marion Kerr, Craig Thomas, and Austin Woods, with Charles Schner as Director of Photography and Dallin Burns as composer. The production emphasizes a raw, vulnerable, and real storytelling approach, promising an emotional experience that grapples with pain yet finds moments of unexpected joy.
