This September marks Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honour the strength of those facing this illness and other cancers with unshakable courage. In the spirit of that resilience, these five powerful films capture stories of love, loss and hope, showing how the human spirit can shine even in the darkest moments. Let’s dive into it.
1. 50/50
50/50 is a 2011 heartfelt drama based on the screenwriter Will Reiser’a real-life cancer diagnosis at 27. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the role of Adam, a young man blindsided by the news while Seth Rogen, mirroring his role in real life as Reiser’s best friend brings the much needed humour. The film combines laugh-out-loud comedy with gut punching emotions, showing how friendships, therapy, and even awakening dating attempts can make the difference when battling a life-threatening illness. It’s relatable, authentic, and one of the best films that gives hope while going through pain.
2. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
Produced in 2015, the movie was adapted from Jesse Andrew’s novel. The film captures the messy, awkward reality of teenage friendship when mortality comes crashing in. Greg, a socially awkward teen, and his film- buddy, Earl, are forced to befriend Rachel, a classmate with leukaemia. What starts off begrudgingly turns into a bond filled with sincerity, humour and unspoken truth. The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to avoid clichés, instead focusing on raw, real connections that make life meaningful in the face of loss.
3. I still believe
A 2020 faith-driven film centres on the love story of Christian musician, Jeremy Camp, and his wife, Melissa, who is diagnosed of ovarian cancer shortly after their marriage. K.J. Apa plays Camp and while Britt Robertson is Melisa. Their relationship becomes a testament to the strength rooted in love, even as Melissa’s health deteriorates. Filled with music, hope and heartbreak, the film is both a romantic tragedy and a reminder of how faith can provide comfort during their life’s hardest storms.
4. Miracle at Manchester
This faith-based story tells the uplifting true tales of Brycen Newman, a high schooler diagnosed with a severe brain cancer. With doctors giving little hope, his community rallies round him in prayer, leading to a recovery many deemed miraculous. The movie focuses on faith, resilience, and the power of collective hope. It also reflects the importance of community support in real life journey.
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta lacks
This HBO film brings to screen the groundbreaking but tragic story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cervical cancer cells, taken without her consent, becomes the foundation of countless medical discoveries. Oprah Winfrey starts as Deborah, Henrietta’s daughter, seeking justice and recognition for her mother’s overlooked contribution. The film combines science, family, and history, sparking conversations about ethics, race, and the human cost of progress.
