Walking in Someone Else's Shoes: The Power of Empathy on Screen
Isn’t it amazing how a good film can just… get you? Not necessarily in a plot-twist, edge-of-your-seat kind of way, but in that quiet, resonant feeling of understanding. That’s often the mark of empathy at work – both from the filmmakers and, crucially, within the audience. It's more than just sympathy; it's about actively trying to feel what another person feels, to see the world through their eyes. And cinema, arguably more than any other art form, has the power to facilitate that.
Think about Suze. On paper, a woman reluctantly taking in her daughter’s ex might sound like a recipe for sitcom-level conflict. But the film's strength lies in its willingness to peel back those initial layers of annoyance and reveal the vulnerability beneath. It asks us to consider what drives this young man’s pain, and how even seemingly opposing personalities can find common ground through shared experience. That’s empathy in action – not necessarily agreeing with someone, but understanding their perspective.
This ability to bridge divides is particularly potent when dealing with complex social issues. In This Moment, for example, doesn't just tell us about Love’s journey as a trans woman navigating polyamory; it invites us into that world, forcing us to confront our own assumptions and biases. It asks us to consider what it truly means to be seen and cherished – a question that resonates far beyond the specifics of Love’s story. It's a powerful reminder that everyone carries their own burdens, their own struggles for acceptance.
And empathy isn’t always about grand narratives. Sometimes, it’s found in smaller, more intimate stories. The Absence of Eden, with its unlikely alliance between an ICE agent and an undocumented woman, highlights the shared humanity that can exist even amidst deeply divisive circumstances. Even documentaries like Child Star – which I remember watching years ago and being genuinely floored by – tap into our empathetic responses. Seeing these former child stars grapple with the long-term consequences of early fame is heartbreaking precisely because it allows us to imagine ourselves in their shoes, facing those pressures and vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, films that truly resonate are those that challenge us to step outside ourselves, to consider perspectives different from our own. They remind us that we’re all interconnected, navigating a complex world with varying degrees of understanding and compassion. And isn't that what great art is supposed to do?
What films have you seen lately that really sparked your empathy? I’d love to hear about them!
