Summary
- The upcoming movie
Take My Hand
tells the story of Laura, an Australian woman who develops MS and loses her husband and job. Returning home with her three sons, she finds a chance at a renewed life. - Inspired by a true story, the film features the complexities of love, loss, and resilience in the face of multiple sclerosis.
- MS Australia partners with the movie to raise awareness about the disease and offer support to those affected by it.
Today, May 30, is World MS Day, moving us to pay more attention to multiple sclerosis and the people who have it. As such, we have a trailer for an upcoming romantic drama, Take My Hand. It follows Laura, an accomplished Australian woman living in London, who is diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) at the peak of her career. After the sudden death of her husband and losing her job, she returns to Australia with her three sons to start over. Take My Hand hits U.S. theaters Aug 30 from Blue Fox Entertainment, and you can watch the newly released trailer above.
Take My Hand is inspired by the true story of Claire Jensz, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and serves as the film’s executive producer. “I have lived with MS for over 25 years and my husband, John Raftopoulos wrote and directed the feature film Take My Hand, inspired by our real-life story,” said Jensz in a statement. “Our goal was to create a beautiful love story that everyone can relate to, while also raising awareness about MS. Many people have heard of MS, but few truly understand it or know how crucial early diagnosis is.” She added:
This year, World MS Day focuses on diagnosis — advocating for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone with MS. By releasing our trailer on World MS Day, we hope to help MS Australia emphasize the importance of early diagnosis.
In Take My Hand, Radha Mitchell (Man on Fire, The Shack, Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen) stars as Laura, a spirited woman whose journey weaves through love, loss, and resilience. Paired with Adam Demos (Unreal, Sex/Life, A Perfect Pairing) as Michael, her steadfast high school sweetheart, and Bart Edwards (The Witcher) as Jason, Laura’s first husband, the film delves into the complexities of life, love, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
“As Laura’s dreams lead her from the lush Byron Bay hinterlands to the bustling streets of London, she finds herself confronted by unforeseen challenges. A diagnosis of MS shakes her world, challenging her career aspirations and straining her relationships. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Laura discovers unexpected sources of strength, including a rekindled connection with Michael, now a scout for the Australian Football League (AFL).”
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Take My Hand also features Meg Fraser and, making his feature film debut, Xavier Molyneux. Former Neighbours star and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte is also featured. Key production credits include Blake Northfield as producer, Wade Muller HKSC ACS as Director of Photography, Esther Rosenberg as Production Designer, Tracey Rose Sparke as Costume Designer, Billie Weston as Hair and Make-Up Designer and casting by Greg Apps.
MS Australia Partners with Take My Hand
The advocacy group MS Australia is partnering with Bronte Pictures to spread awareness of MS and advocate for early diagnosis. “MS Australia is partnering with Take My Hand, a powerful Australian feature film produced by Bronte Pictures and showing in cinemas nationally in late 2024,” reads their statement. They continue:
“With multiple sclerosis (MS) a central part of the storyline, Take My Hand provides a unique opportunity to grow awareness and understanding of MS and to support those living with MS in Australia and globally.
“MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and, in Australia, affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure. In MS, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the fatty material – called myelin – around the nerves. This results in a range of symptoms, but no two people experience MS in the same way.
“Capturing the essence of MS can be challenging, yet Take My Hand accomplishes this feat through a poignant script that authentically portrays both the characters’ lives and the disease at the heart of the narrative.”
From Blue Fox Entertainment, see Take My Hand in theaters Aug. 30, 2024.
