2022 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Jazmine Faries is a thirty-two year old, ambitious woman living in Iron River, Michigan. She has down syndrome, but that doesn’t stop her from living her best life. Jazmine’s family, or the Iron Family, comes together to put on a play of Jazmine’s design–”A Double Life.” Jazmine is obsessed with Matthew McConaughey, soap operas, and barbies, and she stays true to herself throughout the course of her life–whether everyone else likes it or not.
Jazmine is on paper and in reality the absolute best subject for a documentary. She garners emotion, she has an interesting family, but most importantly, she is brilliantly funny and energetic. Even if she hadn’t been developing this play, her personality is enough to drive a film–even a narrative. I see Jazmine in the spotlight of a Hollywood film; and whether that ever comes to fruition or not, her ability to shine so brightly throughout Iron Family is incredible and infectious. Iron Family captures innocence, ingenuity, passion, and love–and while the majority of the family plays a role in expressing these sentiments, Jazmine is the primary vehicle by which viewers receive emotion.
Director Patrick Longstreth is tasked with accurately capturing the reality and the truth of Jazmine’s life, while still making it entertaining beyond just what Jazmine brings to the table. While Jazmine is self-sufficient in regard to expressing herself, Longstreth is able to shine the appropriate light on her actions and her overall journey. The right lighting, camera angles, etc. help to better express who and what Jazmine is, and the prowess of Longstreth brings this story to life. It’s common knowledge the adjustments that are often made as films are developed for Hollywood (or even general distribution), and a little bit of that exists here in Iron Family–but in a good way. The music, the post-effects, etc. play a role in audiences’ reception of Iron Family, and it heightens the appreciation that viewers have for Jazmine, her family, and their endeavors.
Iron Family is just a feel-good story. You’re not human if you watch this documentary without smiling, laughing, or feeling a sense of warmth. As the story unfolds viewers are pulled further and further into Jazmine’s journey–and it plays out almost as a narrative. It’s full of emotion, twists and turns, and a beautiful message. A message of perseverance and shooting for the stars transcends Iron Family, and it invites viewers to look inward at their own ambitions and understand that anything is possible. The ability to express these sentiments comes as a result not just of what Longstreth brings to the table, but how incredibly motivational and relatable Jazmine is.
Iron Family is incredible, not just the story, but the people as well. I was captivated from the start, and nothing could have peeled my eyes away from this tremendous documentary.
Directed by Patrick Longstreth.
Starring Jazmine Faries, Chad Faries, Kate Faries German, Greg Banks, Holly Harvey, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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