A Dark Room

Concussions in the world of professional football have been at the center of numerous recent documentaries, as well as the feature film Concussion starring Will Smith, but filmmaker Joseph Recupero's A Dark Room reminds viewers of what a brutal sport ice hockey can be on the human brain. Players routinely take blows to the head via physical contact with other players, collisions with the ice, and even being hit by flying pucks. Psychiatrists studying the role of sports concussions on long-term brain health tell us that the culture of hockey is still dominated by a tough-it-out mentality that understates the severity of concussions and links injury with weakness. The fact is that many players attempt to carry on in practices and competition despite dizziness, nausea, cognitive dysfunction, and other psychological problems, sometimes leading to drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. The film interviews several players who gave up the sport following repeat concussions, as well as the father of a deceased player who had arranged for his brain to be donated to research. Fortunately, there is some positive news here about research that will more accurately measure brain injuries than simply relying on patient reporting. A powerful look at a subject of growing concern, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)