Nothing's Impossible

Directed by Jacob T McClean

2025

As someone with epilepsy - yup, that’s a fact - I was intrigued to watch Nothing’s Impossible - a new documentary that provides a portrait of people who have epilepsy with a particular emphasis on friends and family members who are around those with the condition.

To add a personal touch to such a broad condition we are introduced to the Wilson family and each family member. And amazingly these are all in fact the assistant director’s very own family, mainly focusing on Ashley Wilson, a heroic father who sets out to prove that he won’t let the disability define him.

From a young age, the children witness their dad have regular seizures but the family do their best to protect each other. They share their past stories including how the condition was explained to the young children (“gremlins” mucking about with wires - oh how true!) as well as the more serious accidents and falls that often injure epileptics.

And for me, that includes cuts and bruises, muscle pulls, stitches in my eyebrow and root canal work on front teeth. Oh it’s fun :D 

But this leads to a refreshing angle it takes - and one that hits very much home for myself - which is the positivity around the family. Not just supporting each other but allowing themselves to laugh even when times are tough.

However, it’s certainly not all smiles. The documentary also has very emotional and sad moments. It’s not easy to cope seeing your loved ones in so much pain and this story will bring tears to your eyes as the family shares their most intimate history together.

As someone who was diagnosed quite late in my 30s, it was eye-opening to see the childhood effects which the documentary is very open and honest about. It doesn’t shy from the struggles faced by the kids from such a young age.

Described as “his midlife crisis”, the thrust of the story then moves from the family’s life to Ashley’s plan to to row 3,600 miles across the Indian Ocean. From Australia to Mauritius, the ginormous task was also helping raise money for charity Young Epilepsy. However, that too had its own setbacks with storms, SOSs and an ocean rescue and the family are still grappling with the ongoing issues to this day.

The documentary itself is a mix of talking head interviews, news footage and family photos - and at 45 minutes is the perfect length to get into the issues. It goes into some depth but it's also incredibly accessible and relatable for those with less knowledge or experience with epilepsy.

The documentary has been made with good intentions too. The music licensing being all free of charge courtesy of ‘VC Pines’ - an epileptic singer whose music is inspired by his own experience with epilepsy and it's a fantastic addition.

In the end, for a “local” film, the production’s quality means it could easily be a special on television, such is the professionalism in the filmmaking. But what really stands out is the Wilson family themselves. Whether Ashley’s own strifes with epilepsy, or the rest of the family’s strength to withstand everything the condition throws at them.

Nothing’s Impossible ends as an inspiring, candid, informative and of course very sad documentary at times. But, it also hints at a lot of joy too. It makes a more than dignified case to make the most of our limited time, value our loved ones and don’t let anyone or anything constrain your life goals. An absolute must-see.

★★★★★

5 / 5

Michael Sales

Instagram / Facebook / X @midlandsmovies