Chris Hemsworth and Father Explore Memory Lane in New Documentary

In a poignant reflection on memory and family, actor Chris Hemsworth and his father, Craig Hemsworth, embark on a heartfelt journey captured in the new documentary, A Road Trip To Remember. This film aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, which recently impacted their family when Craig received his diagnosis.

Journey Through Memory and Landscape

The documentary, produced by National Geographic, chronicles the Hemsworths’ trip to Australia’s Northern Territory. This journey not only revisits significant locations from their past but also serves as a therapeutic exploration of memory, particularly in light of Craig’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Filming began with a recreation of their family home in Melbourne from the 1990s, a setting that holds emotional significance for the family.

Director Tom Barbor-Might, who previously collaborated with Chris Hemsworth on the series Limitless, described the film as a blend of personal storytelling and educational content. “The therapeutic practice of reminiscence therapy gave the film not only its intellectual and emotional underpinning, it gave it its structure,” Barbor-Might explained. “We wanted to explore this and give the audience a glimpse of their family life in the 1990s.”

Old photographs played a crucial role in reconstructing their childhood home. Barbor-Might noted that they were able to source images from a previous owner of the house, who had documented it in detail while considering its purchase. This insight allowed the film crew to replicate Chris and his brother Luke’s teenage bedrooms accurately.

Connecting with the Past in the Outback

The documentary’s focal point is their motorcycle journey to Bulman, a small town where Craig worked on a cattle station during the brothers’ early years. The trip not only rekindled family memories but also facilitated reunions with past acquaintances, showcasing the strong community ties that remain in their lives.

However, the rugged outback environment posed challenges for the film crew. “It’s never the most comforting thing when the risk assessment involves taking anti-venom with you,” Barbor-Might remarked, acknowledging the risks involved in filming within such a remote area. The local community welcomed the family warmly, making the journey more meaningful.

Addressing the sensitive nature of Alzheimer’s, Barbor-Might emphasized the importance of balancing candidness with respect for the family’s privacy. “If we’re going to go into something so sensitive and so intimate, we need to know why we’re going to capture some of the symptoms of the disease on film,” he stated.

Craig Hemsworth expressed his desire to share their story to help others facing similar challenges. “His motivation was that by sharing, it might help others,” Barbor-Might noted. The film advocates for open discussions about dementia and the importance of fostering social connections, which can aid in slowing cognitive decline. “We often delay those kinds of conversations because we’re embarrassed,” Barbor-Might remarked. “But life is happening right now. Do it. Don’t wait.”

A Road Trip To Remember is set to premiere on November 23, 2023, on National Geographic, followed by availability for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. This documentary not only highlights the personal journey of the Hemsworth family but also serves as a broader commentary on the realities of Alzheimer’s and the importance of maintaining connections amidst life’s challenges.