About the Film
“Walter and Josiah” is one of the most terrible films on the desolation and pain of the Flathead Indian Reservation in America where a heart-wrenching suicide crisis amongst adolescents continues to devastate the area. The focus of the piece is on the two young flathead boys, Walter and Josiah, who took their own lives and the impact of sibling loss on their peers, relatives, and the reservation community.
As a vehicle of expression through sport, the film explores how the community funnels its pain and horrid experiences into one for the better. It is this collective trauma that fuels Ukranian-American basketball players and them hoopers together as family and not just players on the court.
Key Themes
- Mental Health Awareness
The film highlights the crisis of mental illness among Native American youth. The Native population has a high rate of suicide compared to the general population and the documentary shows various reasons for this including, intergenerational trauma, chronic disinvestment, and the unavailability of mental health services. - Cultural Identity and Resilience
Native culture, traditions, and social cohesion are critical aspects in this film. It depicts how the culture and unity fostered in the reservation area works positively in helping the people focus on overcoming the challenges that they face. - Sports as a Unifying Force
Basketball is more than a sport for these players; it provides them with hope, companionship, and a fulfilling way to remember Walter and Josiah. - Youth Empowerment
The film presents the stories of young Native Americans in an effective fashion acknowledging their fight, their dreams, and how they are able to create a difference in the society they belong.
Production Insights
Jamie Elias as the film director took time to understand the community well so as to portray the true aspects, which fairness included quite a sensitive touch to the making of the film. The footage in the documentary is reflective of the aesthetic appeal of Montana coupled with the pronounced feelings of the people in the film, and such makes for some unique visuals of the documentary.
Score and Soundtrack: The music is rather understated but complements the themes of grief and expectation. Native American musicians feature in the sound track which adds the cultural essence to the film.
Critical Reception
The documentary has received great appreciation from critics noting its sensitivity and depth, as they indicate, humanizing resolve too often neglected by the mass media. More than one critic appreciated the film’s potential to encourage activism and increase visibility for mental illness within disadvantaged populations.
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96%
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Cultural Significance
However, unlike a tragedy, the film proves to the audiences the strength and the resistance of Native American Indian communities. “For Walter and Josiah” tackles the so-called ‘forbidden issue’ of suicide which can, in turn, lead to less stigma associated with mental health and increase focus on the problems faced by the indigenous people.
Why You Should Watch It
This documentary is a must-watch for those who are:
- Interested in social justice and mental health awareness.
- Keen on exploring Native American stories and perspectives.
- Fans of inspirational sports narratives that go beyond the game.
This serves as an unfortunate reminder of the struggles the disadvantaged communities go through, and concurrently serves as a ray of hope showing the strength in togetherness.
Where to Watch
Here’s a summary of the platforms where the documentary is available:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Peacock
- Tubi (free with ads)
Conclusion
“For Walter and Josiah” is not only a documentary, it is a motivating call and an emotional remembrance of the dead. The picture interweaves emotional narrative with abundant societal concerns leaving no viewer indifferent, and causing him/herself to think, sympathize, and act.
