MATTER OF TIME: A Matter of Heart
Music can heal, but Matter of Time shows how it can also change lives by turning performance into purpose.
It opens with one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs, “Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town.” In or out of context, it’s a beautiful song, and Eddie Vedder sounds as good as he ever has. The concert footage is intimate and carefully paced, with a perfectly chosen set list that occasionally references one of the kids in the audience. Knowing who is in the audience, and why, gives each performance added weight, turning familiar songs into something deeply personal.
“I seem to recognize your face.”
The concert exists for a devastating reason: to raise money and awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare, painful, and often fatal skin condition that primarily affects children. The film introduces us to several families living with EB and their stories. As we come to know these children, we also learn that not all of them survive by film’s end. It’s a documentary that does not shy away from the seriousness of the disease or how quickly circumstances can change.
The film weaves together concert footage and personal interviews, balancing this with such ease that the songs feel like part of the scenes with the families.
These personal moments ground the music in real-world consequences and give context to the cause behind the event. What stands out most is how effectively the film communicates just how unknown EB remains. Awareness becomes a central theme, and the structure reinforces that message. Director Matt Finlin creates something truly remarkable, with strong editing and music choices that allow the stories to breathe.
“Lifetimes are catching up with me.”
Matter of Time is an emotionally immersive and quietly overwhelming film with a great deal of heart. It is not only an inspiring story about using fame and talent for good, but also an important reminder of how powerful awareness can be. An important watch for an important cause, Matter of Time is deeply moving and genuinely impactful.
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