Introducing Selma Blair Shows Strength and Spirit in The Face of Adversity

Actors go to great lengths to make sure that no one ever knows when they are ailing or less than perfect.  Sometimes to their detriment, causing tongues to wag and rumors to swell.

In 2019, just as rumors were swelling to an all time high, Oscars Vanity Fair party got a surprise. One of Hollywood’s own announced via Instagram her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. That celebrity was Selma Blair. You know, the actress mostly recognized from hit films like Legally Blonde, Hellboy, Cruel Intentions and her brief, yet uncomfortable stint on Anger Management with Charlie Sheen.

Introducing Selma Blair shares the journey of being able bodied to being diagnosed with MS, stem cell treatment and all the uncomfortable ugliness that comes along with it.  This single Mom tackles all of it with bravery and sense of humor like no other.  Witnessing her struggle through an interview with ticks, going from normal to totally breaking down physically and becoming intensely verbally impaired are a stark reminder of how disease can attempt to rob one of their self respect, dignity and soul.  Selma Blair reminds us just ow much control we have over our life, on our own terms right through every solitary uncomfortable second.

Directed by Rachel Fleit,  this doc takes us inside a world that most will never see, know or understand.  He captures every rollercoaster ride moment.  Yet, in the midst of it all, Selma’s wicked, acerbic sense of humor shines through all every painful moment, doctor appointment, family loss and redefining how she and the world deal with physical adversity.

Losing anyone during a pandemic is heartbreaking, especially when it’s your mother.  The anguish and guilt that comes along with that type of loss in unimaginable, yet, Selma finds a way to reconcile her feelings for a woman who consistently criticized her, but at the end of the day was still her mother.  After all, we only get one and it’s up to us to make peace with what that package comes in and how we choose to navigate those feelings of criticisms.

The film begins and ends with her and a horse. Her desire to engage in an activity that brings her peace, solace and great joy.  Even though she’s only able to ride for 11 seconds, it’s 11 seconds where she’s triumphantly independent.  Selma also goes to see a new doctor who informs her of damage to the gray matter of her brain affecting muscle control, memory and speech (which already became uber comprised after stem cell surgery).

Introducing Selma Blair a is strong lesson and reminder of not passing judgement for you never know what someone is struggling with or how their struggle may affect you, your life and your struggles. Having recently played during the SXSW Film Festival, the awe-inspiring doc has been picked up by the  Discovery Plus channel with a release date later this year.