"Lily Gladstone's Impact: A Personal Reflection"

"Killers of the Flower Moon" wasn't just a cinematic experience for me; it was a profound journey intertwining personal reflections with the haunting portrayal of Mollie Burkhart, beautifully brought to life by Lily Gladstone. Mollie's character, grappling with diabetes, resonated deeply within me, drawing parallels to my own ongoing struggles with this condition.

Lily Gladstone's portrayal of Mollie was nothing short of exceptional. She portrayed the complexities of navigating life with diabetes in a time where access to healthcare was a privilege, showcasing the daily struggles and vulnerabilities with nuance. Mollie's reliance on insulin injections, a lifeline amidst the scarcity of resources, mirrored my own journey. The film's depiction of her vulnerability to exploitation by corrupt doctors due to her dependence on insulin struck a chord, reminding me of the vulnerabilities faced by many of us managing diabetes today.  Part of film's narrative wove the historical context of diabetes through Mollie's struggles while echoing the disproportionate rates of diabetes among Indigenous communities.

My personal journey with type 1 diabetes spans a little over two decades. I was fortunate to have insurance coverage until I turned 18, a privilege that provided access to crucial medication. However, obtaining necessary medication post 18 was a challenge, marking the beginning of a tumultuous phase. The experience of enduring Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and having seizures due to hypoglycemia will forever be etched in my memory...a reminder of the need for consistent and accessible healthcare. 

Growing up, my dream was to be an actor—the "Next Meryl Streep," as I declared at the age of 11 (IYKYK). For nearly a decade, I immersed myself in drama classes. Wanting to be the storyteller, the character, was all I ever wanted. As years went by, a new passion emerged: filmmaking. The realization that through film, I could write, paint, act, direct, and reach a broader audience.

There are performances that transcend the screen, etching themselves into our souls. Viola Davis in "Doubt" and Brie Larson in "Room" for example, but what Lily Gladstone accomplished in KOTFM had me sitting alone in my car, contemplating the depth of her portrayal in the AMC parking lot wayyy past midnight.

I haven't felt this way about a performance (or an actor) in a long time. It's more than admiration; it's a CONNECTION. Lily's depiction of Mollie resonated with me on a profoundly personal level. As someone who has navigated the complexities of life with a chronic condition, I understand what it's like to feel like you're dying, unsure of the next step, aware of how it affects those around you.

Performances, whether on stage or screen, possess a unique ability to evoke emotions and alter perspectives. As an empathic person, I feel things strongly. Lily Gladstone's performance touched me in ways I hadn't anticipated. I find myself emotional, reflecting on the shared experiences of uncertainty and the impact one can have on others.

Look, I know these award shows seem silly to many. I get it. There are bigger pressing things in our lives and around the world, but as an artist, as someone who wants to reach out to others, even change their lives for a couple of hours...maybe getting recognized for it doesn't seem like such a bad thing.

Lily Gladstone, whatever happens on your journey moving forward, know that your performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon" has left an indelible mark on me. And to Scorsese and the entire cast and crew, thank you for delivering a masterful film that will undoubtedly be discussed and cherished for years to come.

As someone with disabilities, I affirm my love for what I do and my determination to continue despite the challenges. Lily's performance serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, a reminder that storytelling can transcend barriers and resonate with audiences in ways unimaginable.

"Killers of the Flower Moon" is more than a movie; it's a journey that combines personal reflections, historical narratives, and the enduring power of performance. It's a reminder that the stories we tell and the characters we portray have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the hearts of those who witness them.