Love, Danielle

You know you've seen an impactful film when you and your spouse have an hour long talk about how it affected you afterwards. That is exactly what happened to us after we saw it screened at the 11th annual Nevada Women's Film Festival where it won - deservedly so - the 'Best Feature Film' award.

This glorious film is not only both funny and moving (hard to do either well much less both simultaneously) but taught us a lot about cancer, treatment, family history, and spousal issues. Without giving anything away, the family dynamics, to include husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, siblings, etc - its all there. And each was handled well and represented themselves fairly (and intelligently).

In short, if you're looking to watch something that makes you laugh + cry + think then this is it!

Love, Danielle is a film that resonates on a profoundly personal level. Devin Sidell, who stars as Danielle and lives with the BRCA1 mutation, brings an unmatched authenticity to her role. As a Lynch syndrome previvor, I found her portrayal incredibly moving; it's rare to see the realities of hereditary cancer risks portrayed with such vulnerability, honesty, and depth. Devin's firsthand connection to her character infuses the film with an inspiring authenticity, reminding us of the importance of embracing life fully-even when faced with genetic challenges.

Love, Danielle is a must-watch for anyone in the hereditary cancer community or anyone who wants to understand the courage required to navigate this journey. This film goes beyond storytelling; it voices solidarity, strength, and hope.

Much of the film's grounding in hope and resilience comes from the influence of its producer, Amy Byer Shainman. Known as "The BRCA Responder," Amy is a passionate advocate for those dealing with hereditary cancer syndromes. Her goal has always been to empower individuals with knowledge and a sense of control, and that spirit shines throughout the film.

Amy's influence balances the movie, keeping it from feeling overwhelmingly heavy. Love, Danielle portrays pain, fear, and grief but also reminds us of the strength in taking charge of our health. For Amy, knowledge is power, especially when it's actionable, and making these tough choices is a profound act of self-love. Her vision allows Love, Danielle, to be emotional and empowering, honoring the challenges while celebrating resilience. Amy has been a tremendous positive force in the hereditary cancer community, and her resilience and optimism shine through in the film's message. This film is essential viewing for previvors, survivors, their loved ones, and medical professionals in the hereditary cancer field.

Love, Danielle is an educational film that delves into the emotionally charged world of genetic testing and its profound impact on individuals and families. The movie follows Danielle, a woman faced with the difficult decision of undergoing genetic testing after discovering a family history of cancer. The film masterfully captures her internal struggles, from confronting her own fears to understanding the potential consequences for her loved ones.

What sets Love, Danielle apart is its honest portrayal of the complex emotions that accompany genetic testing-fear, hope, and the search for clarity in an uncertain world. The film doesn't shy away from difficult conversations about hereditary risk and the impact it can have on life choices, making it both deeply relatable and informative. It also highlights the importance of genetic counseling and support, offering a message of empowerment for those facing similar decisions.

Many people suffer in silence when they have a major health decision to make. Knowing that others have made the decision and come through successfully is an important lesson of this film.

The actors allow you to journey with them in a way that makes you feel that they are just like yourself and your friends.

Families are alike in many ways and you will see yours and those of your friends on the screen as two close sisters share their individual journeys. Laugh, cry, and cheer with them as they support and love each other. You will be left informed, hopeful, and entertained when you view this gem of a movie.

Knowing the content in advance, I was pleasantly surprised to find the delightful mix of humor and meaning. This is an important topic that needs to be seen and presented in an inviting and digestible format. I particularly loved the lead actress. She was both honest and entertaining. Her husband's role was beautifully portrayed with full support for his wife and confusion about how to do it! Great acting by familiar and new actors that genuinely nail their characters. Thank you for portraying the sister relationship in a "real" and heartfelt way.

Please watch this movie; it will touch your heart and mind.