‘Tri’ Review

Stars: Jensen Jacobs, Kaylyn Aznavorian, Shaira Barton, Bella Burton, Vincent De Paul, Chris Dyer, Nikki Estridge, Kimberly S. Fairbanks, Mark Falvo, Walker Hays, Ankur Jain, Marc Anthony Lowe, Farai Kofi Marimbe | Written by Jai Jamison, Theodore A. Adams III, Monica Lee Bellais | Directed by Jai Jamison

After having recently watched and reviewed the great sports documentary Ice Guardians, when Tri dropped into my lap it felt like the right time to give it a go and boy am I glad I did… Where to start with Tri?

First off, Tri is not so much a documentary as it is a scripted carefully and accurately portrayed story of a Triathletes journey from start to finish. On paper you have to wonder what is there to keep you in this flick, well I am here to tell you fine people, A LOT.

We open the movie with Natalie – played by actress Jensen Jacobs – Natalie is an ultrasound technician and, after an appointment with a cancer suffering patient, she is inspired to sign up for a Triathlon. We find she is met by some hesitance from her friends and family as Natalie has trouble finishing just about everything she starts. The difference here though is that she signs up with a cast of great characters who all have there own inspiring stories to tell. Natalie is introduced to a world she was not prepared for and must look deep inside herself to get to the end of this journey.

Of course ,while this is primarily Natalie’s story, we have a colourful set of team members for her to rely on. Each member of this team bringing a depth to this movie that… I wont lie to you… not only surprised me at points by moved me at others. This movie starts out as one thing and hits you with a one two punch of sentiment and inspiration. Leaving you wondering “Who am I to feel sorry for myself? When people can show this kind of strength.”

I am not going to delve any further into Tri plot wise, because to do so would detract from the impact the story has on what is – hopefully – an unexpecting audience. I can honestly say that I believe this movie should be seen not only for its heartfelt, well made and carefully told story; but the acting talent on display is on point and its truly no wonder this movie is a hit with the critics and winning a boat load of awards – including Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award at the Boston Film Festival, Film of the Year at the 2016 Northern Virginia International Film and Music Festival, Best Feature Dramedy at 2016’s Atlantic City Cinefest, and Best Narrative Feature Film at the Chesapeake Film Festival. And that’s not to mention the numerous awards for the films star, Jensen Jacobs!

Director and Co-Writer Jai Jamison had this to say about his movie and its subject:

Triathletes who run races and folks who do endurance sports, this film is for them, But it’s also for anyone going through any type of adversity, or challenge. It’s for anyone who has had to push through obstacles, both external and internal, to complete something. We want this film to inspire, as well as entertain.

Tri will be released on Digital HD on December 13th on the following platforms: iTunes, Amazon, InDemand, Google Play, Sony, Vudu, Microsoft and Hoopla.