With a crucial message but somewhat monotonous delivery, Better is an earnest portrait of the "diabesity" (diabetes and obesity) epidemic by author and speaker Jonathan Bailor. The honest interviews with diabesity survivors, relatives of these individuals, and health experts really drive the point across, but the documentary does drag a bit.
Better explores the diabesity epidemic and proposes a new solution to the issue. Diabesity refers to a type of diabetes often developing in later life and accompanied by an increase in weight. The film explains that neither weight coaches nor fitness plans or calorie-counting are truly the answer to this issue; balance is. Jonathan Bailor, the man behind the documentary, recommends eating SANE (Satiety, Aggression, Nutrition and Efficiency) foods. Limiting starchy foods and increasing intake of non-starchy vegetables, nutrient-dense proteins and whole-food fats can help maintain the homeostasis (balance) that our body needs to stay healthy and fit. Along with this premise, it proposes new ideas about exercise and other activities. This is an intriguing documentary that is sure to give you some food for thought.
The documentary cuts seamlessly between interviews, graphics, and scenes from Bailor's TED talks. The delivery of information is so rapid and so efficient that little room is left for the viewer to truly take in the information, which is when Better drags and lags a bit. It feels a bit like a big advertisement, rather than a story. Still, Better truly moved me. The black-and-white scenes of survivors telling their stories, compelling others to do the same, and the ending sequence of the film especially tugged at my heartstrings.
Better is a film about showing grit in the face of an uphill battle and having hope through trying times. It's also about trying new things and changing a part of yourself for the better. It's truly an interesting documentary.
I give Better 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!!
