A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots

Directed by Caroline Boyd

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots takes us through the journey of Shelly, a nature photographer who found solace and meaning in her art after a traumatic brain injury at 19. Shelly’s story, set against the vast and serene landscapes of the Southwest, is both inspiring and moving. I felt drawn into her process of healing and self-discovery, especially as she uses photography to navigate the challenges brought on by her injury. Her resilience shines through and I couldn’t help but admire her determination to live a life filled with purpose.

The documentary beautifully weaves together breathtaking visuals of the desert with Shelly’s personal narrative. The cinematography is one of the film’s strongest points—capturing the Southwest in all its splendor, with vibrant shots of nature that contrast with Shelly’s more intimate still photography. The juxtaposition of these large-scale live images with her personal photographs gave me a deeper connection to her story, highlighting the power of nature as both a subject and a source of healing. However, there were moments where I felt that the visuals didn’t fully align with the dialogue, which left certain scenes feeling somewhat disjointed.

Caroline Boyd’s emphasized Shelly’s transformative journey and the healing power of nature. This theme is apparent throughout, though there are moments where the editing and sound design could have been tighter to create a more seamless flow. The scene where Shelly speaks about the tree for example, felt a bit forced and I would have liked to see that story unfold more naturally. Still the overall message of the film—resilience through creativity and connection with nature—came across clearly and left me reflecting on how we all find ways to cope with life’s challenges.

Now onto the technical side. The cinematography is a highlight of the film, especially in the way it captures the beauty of the desert and Shelly’s connection to it. The background music complemented the visuals well, heightening the emotional impact without overwhelming the story. I found that the editing could have been stronger in certain parts, as some scenes didn’t flow as smoothly as others, particularly when the focus shifted between Shelly’s personal story and her professional work as a guide. I also noticed that while Shelly’s monologue was touching, it had to do a lot of the heavy lifting to convey the film’s deeper themes and it felt like the narrative was leaning too heavily on her words instead of letting the visuals tell more of the story.

A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots is an inspiring exploration of Shelly’s journey toward acceptance and healing through photography and nature. Its heart is in the right place, and Shelly’s story is one of courage and resilience that will resonate with viewers. The documentary effectively shows the power of art as a tool for personal growth and reminds us of the beauty that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.

This documentary offers a reflective and heartfelt look at one woman’s journey to reclaim her life after trauma. The emotional depth and breathtaking visuals make it an inspiring watch. Audiences who appreciate the intersection of nature, art, and personal resilience will connect with Shelly’s story.