
Unrest 2017
When Harvard PhD candidate Jennifer Brea is struck by a sudden illness at 28 that leaves her bedridden, doctors dismiss her symptoms as psychological.
Director: Jennifer Brea
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unrest (2017) about?
*Unrest* follows Jennifer Brea's journey as she navigates a debilitating illness that doctors dismiss as imaginary. Through her camera, she documents her own struggle alongside four other families facing similar battles, exposing the harsh realities of chronic illness and medical dismissal.
Who directed Unrest?
Jennifer Brea directed *Unrest*, turning her personal battle into a compelling call for medical awareness and change.
Who stars in Unrest?
The documentary features Jennifer Brea, Whitney Dafoe, Samuel Bearman, Jessica Taylor, and Omar Wasow in key roles.
Is Unrest (2017) worth watching?
For its raw honesty and powerful storytelling, *Unrest* is a must-watch for fans of documentary films. It tackles an important and often overlooked health crisis with emotional depth and urgency, making it both informative and deeply moving.
How long is Unrest?
*Unrest* runs for 97 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Unrest (2017) — A raw documentary on chronic illness and medical neglect
When Harvard PhD candidate Jennifer Brea is struck by a sudden illness at 28 that leaves her bedridden, doctors dismiss her symptoms as psychological. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a deeply personal journey into the shadows of an overlooked disease, capturing not just her own struggle but also the stories of four other families fighting the same battle. Directed by Brea herself, *Unrest (2017)* unfolds as a raw and intimate documentary, blending heartbreaking interviews with urgent advocacy. The film's atmosphere is haunting yet hopeful, as it sheds light on the invisible battles of chronic illness and the systemic failures that prolong suffering. With striking visuals and unflinching honesty, it challenges viewers to reconsider what they know about sickness, resilience, and the limits of modern medicine.
Brea's film transcends the personal to become a rallying cry for those whose voices have been silenced by medical gaslighting. Through her lens, *Unrest* exposes a healthcare system that often fails the most vulnerable, while celebrating the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to be written off. This is more than a documentary—it's a movement in cinematic form, demanding recognition for a disease that has long been ignored.