Friday, January 30, 2026

Otto - who is he and why does it matter?


Otto is the main character of another movie that I find I have a visceral reaction to. 
And it is tricky explaining fully why without ruining the movie for those who have yet to experience it, the weight of the story, background and what it reveals.
It does deal with matters of self harm so I would caution you from watching if this is something you should avoid in this season.

What it does reminds me of again in the world we live is the following:

1. So many have a back story with an equal dose of deep abiding pain that many don't know.

Otto comes across as angry, cold and as someone who doesn't need anyone or anything.
The reality was who he became through what life threw at him was not how he began.
The movie/story reminds me that those who show similar traits to Otto may have good reason for being who they currently are. 
There may have been things happen to them that has damaged their soul. The weight of which they feel powerless to overcome and eventually give into their damaging narrative.

2. We are not our best on our own reconciling lifes pain and disappointments, and yet that is the default direction of many of us.

Withdrawal seems to be the natural mode when the pain of life just pushes us too far.
I have felt its pull to be honest and sometimes it is hard not to succumb.
And when it is "others" who have contributed to your hurt, the natural thing our heart does is seek to avoid "others" going forward. The logic being you can't take anymore so protect yourself from the possibility of more pain.

Which leads to my last quick point...

3. Something beautiful and unexpected can come where we least expect it.

Otto has people around him just like many of us do.
Circumstances he didn't want created a watershed moment in the sad trajectory of his life through the "unwanted" relationships that came his way.
The impact of those "others" that appeared in his mind from nowhere, changed everything for him. 
Maybe the "others" around you right now are strategically there for right now?

A Man Called Otto.
Great movie.
Certainly impacted my heart.

Something to think about...

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