Inspiring Film, Clouds, Warms the Hearts of Many

by Rachel Mun

During these chilly January days, it’s hard to find a moment of comfort and tranquility. Overwhelmed with stress and anxiety from the world around us, I’m certain that we all need some time to lay back and take things slow. What better way to do so than with a heartwarming, inspirational film? So take a seat and grab some popcorn (and a box of tissues) as I take you on an emotional journey about the film Clouds.

Initially released on Disney Plus in October 2020, Clouds is a biographical film directed and produced by Justin Baldoni. It is based upon the memoir Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way by Laura Sobiech and follows the last days of seventeen-year-old Zach Sobiech’s life. Zach, played by Fin Argus, is an amicable high school senior with raw musical talent. But just a few weeks into his senior year—and after finally asking out his long-time crush, Amy—Zach's world gets turned upside down when he finds out that his osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, has spread, leaving him with a life expectancy of merely six months. With the limited time Zach has left, he and his best friend and music writing partner, Sammy Brown (played by Sabrina Carpenter), decide to follow their dreams and make an album, unaware that it’ll soon become a viral music phenomenon. But with time running out, Zach is confronted with the reality that no matter how he spends his time, he is going to hurt the people he loves the most. As Zach’s health condition begins to deteriorate, he is left to make difficult decisions about how to spend his time—more importantly, with whom. Ultimately, he discovers the best way to say goodbye is with music, and his uplifting hit song “Clouds'' is born. Unfortunately, Zach passed away in 2013. However, his true and inspiring story is a testament to what can happen when you start to live as if each day might be your last.

The real-life Zach and Sammy created a duet called A Firm Handshake, and in 2013, they released their first and last album, Fix Me Up. All the songs from this album were featured in the film; the songs “Blueberries,” “Fix Me Up,” “How To Go To Confession,” and “Clouds” were covered by Fin Argus and Sabrina Carpenter for the movie’s soundtrack.

Personally, I was hesitant to watch this film at first because I thought that it would just be another sob story but oh boy, was I wrong; I went through an entire box of tissues while watching. Clouds captures the full depth and authenticity of Zach’s discontent while maintaining its emotional simplicity. Additionally, the inclusion of sweet, teenage romance balances out the heart-breaking plot with its wholesome energy. Zach’s message of “you don’t need to find out you’re dying to start living” is simple yet full of raw truth.

If you’ve been seeing Clouds all over your Disney Plus feed but are skeptical about watching it, this is your sign to go check it out. While you’re at it, listen to Zach and Sammy’s catchy and touching song, “Clouds.” This bittersweet story is one that you don’t want to miss!