When she was just six-years-old Rikki Stinnette’s mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This life-changing diagnosis not only impacted her mother, it also altered the course of Rikki’s life. Based on her own experiences as a child, Rikki was inspired to write and direct a short film, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review it. (You can also check out Rikki’s article where she shares four reasons that having a mom with RA made her a better adult!)
In a little more than ten minutes, Revenge of the Electric Cart took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. It tells the story of a young girl and her mother, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis. We see Mom physically struggle to do everyday things that most people take for granted – from simply sitting up in bed in the morning to lifting her spoon to getting in and out of the car. Throughout it all, Mom keeps facing forward (you know how much I love that!) as she fights to parent her daughter, while also depending on her daughter for help.
We see the daughter taking on more responsibility than is ordinary for a child her age – from making her mother breakfast (including anti-inflammatory blueberries!) to helping Mom button her shirt and going with her to rheumatologist appointments. We watch the daughter notice the differences between what her own mom can do versus what healthy moms can do.
I won’t lie: as beautiful and thoughtful as this film is, it was not easy for me to watch. It hit extremely close to home, as I’ve personally struggled with many of the same issues during my years of living with rheumatoid arthritis. There have been many times I’ve struggled with everyday tasks. I’ve worn every type of brace imaginable. I’ve used a wheelchair to take my kids to the zoo. I’ve parked in a handicapped spot and waited for someone to say I didn’t deserve it. And, perhaps most difficult of all for me to watch, I’ve seen the look of disappointment on my kids’ faces when I’m not able to do everything healthy mothers can.
However, I think the fact that it was difficult for someone with this lived experience to watch is exactly what makes the film so poignant. It is a true depiction of what life with chronic pain and invisible illness can be like – both from the mother’s perspective and from the daughter’s perspective. And, ultimately, their love for each other shines through all the challenges, as they find a way to have fun together that they can both enjoy.
I do want to stress to other moms living with chronic illness who may choose to watch this short film: I think it’s important to note that while the film is inspired by a true story, the writer and director of this film is now a grown woman – meaning her own mother experienced the challenges of living with rheumatoid arthritis a generation ago. Luckily, today’s moms have many more effective treatment options. So while I have personally had many of the same physical experiences as the mom in this film during times when my RA was not well controlled, I’ve also had periods of my life where my RA has not played a very big role. Today’s moms are extremely lucky that better control of their RA is likely an option.
Revenge of the Electric Cart has been shown at film festivals across the country – and has been the recipient of several awards. You can see the trailer for the film here. And, I’m pleased to announce, the entire short film is now available to watch online here!
