It's Not an Illness

About This Movie

It's Not an Illness is a fascinating dive into the experiences of pregnant mothers navigating their journeys in 1979. The documentary captures the emotional and physical challenges these women face, with a raw authenticity that feels both intimate and unvarnished. The inclusion of interviews with Dr. J.E. Milligan adds a layer of medical insight, juxtaposed against the more personal anecdotes from Marsha Baker, Shaheera Bieber, and the couple Claire Prieto and Roger McTair. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing viewers to absorb the gravity of each woman's story while the fitness classes at the Toronto Women's Club offer a glimpse into the community's support system. It's not just a film about pregnancy; it’s a time capsule of societal views on motherhood that feels both dated yet somehow timeless.

It's Not an Illness has seen limited releases over the years, making it a bit of a rarity in documentary collections. Many collectors appreciate its candid portrayal of pregnancy and the societal context of the late 70s, which is distinct from the more polished narratives we see today. There’s a growing interest in films that tackle everyday subjects with this level of rawness, and as such, its scarcity only adds to its allure among niche collectors.