The Healing Journey of “Hell or High Seas”
by Emily Nagle
The 2021 documentary film “Hell or High Seas” takes viewers along on an emotional adventure with U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and his friend Stephen O’Shea. A former rescue swimmer, Grieger suffered from PTSD that continued years after he left the military. After a failed suicide attempt, Grieger took surviving that experience as a sign. He sprung into action, deciding to chase a lifelong dream. He turns to “the YouTube Academy”, as he refers to it, following video tutorials to patch up a ramshackle sailboat (later dubbed The Old Lady) in an effort to raise awareness for veterans like himself battling the psychological adjustments of a return to civilian life. Grieger brings O’Shea and the audience on a dangerous sea voyage around Cape Horn at the tip of South America; this is considered by many sailors to be the most difficult trip of all.
Grieger’s journey ends up being more than just a sailing trip – over the course of the film, he makes strides in healing from PTSD, and readjusts to civilian life after being away from traditional society for so long. He and O’Shea encounter numerous challenges aboard the rickety ship, as they endure extreme temperatures, push through a hurricane (with a busted engine!), and fight off pirates. It’s through hell and high seas that the duo defies odds, healing from battle wounds along the way.
Also part of the production team are director Glenn Holsten and producer Chayne Gregg. In an interview at the film’s premiere, Holsten revealed that upon viewing O’Shea’s footage for the first time, he was instantly captivated by Grieger’s cause of helping fellow veterans, and wanted to bring the story to the big screen to spread the message to as many people as possible.
Not only does the production share Grieger’s message through a compelling, heart-wrenching story, but also through stunning visuals. The cinematography in “Hell or High Seas” is unique in the sense that it’s not shot like a traditional documentary – instead of simply explaining things, it’s more like a video diary that showcases Grieger’s journey. This more spontaneous filming style only supplements the story by giving viewers a raw look into Grieger’s experience. It’s rich and colorful, with breathtaking shots that include glaciers and the ocean – you’ll want to watch this one on the biggest screen you can find!
“Hell or High Seas” brings inspiration and hope to not just veterans, but anyone dealing with PTSD or healing from trauma. The film weaves the moving story of one man channeling his trauma into something constructive, following his passion after years of struggling mentally. Grieger’s story is one that will resonate with many, instilling strength and hope in them while also raising awareness for veterans.