In a deeply moving new documentary, Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth embarks on an emotional motorcycle journey across Australia with his father Craig, who is navigating the challenging waters of early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A Journey Through Memory and Love
Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip To Remember captures one particularly poignant moment where the Avengers actor, famous for portraying Thor, struggles to contain his emotions while examining a childhood photograph. The image shows a three-year-old Chris with his father in the Australian Outback, prompting the actor to choke up as he observes, "I can see such love in that photograph."
Viewers will immediately notice the striking physical resemblance between Craig Hemsworth and his famous son. However, for Chris, the most powerful aspect is the loving gaze his father directs toward his younger self, noting that it communicates how "that little boy is the only thing that exists in that moment."
The documentary gains additional emotional weight from the revelation that 70-year-old Craig Hemsworth has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. The disease's effects have become increasingly apparent over the past two years, prompting father and son to finally act on their long-discussed plan for a road trip together.
More Than Just a Road Trip
Their motorcycle journey across Australia to revisit Chris's childhood homes serves a dual purpose beyond simple nostalgia. The expedition forms part of Craig's reminiscence therapy, a therapeutic approach designed to strengthen cognitive function.
Alzheimer's specialist Dr Suraj Samtani explains the science behind this method: "We know that revisiting past experiences by talking to someone or using objects and places from the past is a great way to boost cognition. This is what we call reminiscence therapy."
Given that Alzheimer's is an incurable disease affecting memory and behaviour with devastating consequences for patients and families alike, the documentary's filmmakers approached the subject with extreme sensitivity. Director Tom Barbor-Might reveals, "We had lots of conversations about what kind of manifestations of the illness we'd see on camera. We'd also stop the scene if the family felt they needed a break."
The documentary doesn't shy away from showing the reality of Alzheimer's progression. During their first stop at the former Hemsworth family home in Melbourne, where Chris spent his teenage years, Craig repeatedly asks about his wife Leonie's whereabouts despite being told she would arrive later.
Chris admits this was difficult to witness, saying, "I think it was the first time on the trip he was displaying his Alzheimer's." Director Tom acknowledges they debated including such challenging moments but notes that "the family wanted the reality to be there."
Family Bonds and Genetic Revelations
While Chris and his father form the documentary's rugged centre, it's Leonie, Craig's wife of 44 years, who provides its emotional heart. She shares her struggle in the film, sobbing as she confesses, "As a partner, it's difficult because I want him to be the person he was and I want that relationship. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and it can be terrifying to think, 'Where's it all going?'"
The journey takes father and son deeper into their shared past, arriving at Bulman – an indigenous community in the Northern Territory where the cherished childhood photograph was originally taken. This was where Craig worked as a bull-catcher, rounding up feral cattle that had escaped their herds.
Reconnecting with old friends in Bulman proves particularly beneficial for Craig's cognitive health. Dr Samtani explains, "Research shows us that reuniting with old friends is uniquely protective against cognitive decline compared to talking to family. Family members know our likes and dislikes, whereas it's more of a workout for the brain when we talk to friends because we have to remember distant information."
The documentary includes lighter moments, such as an old video of Chris's first homemade movie Crocodile Hunter, which showcases the teenager's early star quality. Chris jokes about the progression, "It was that and then Thor – a small leap!"
However, an underlying poignancy permeates the film. While filming his 2022 series Limitless, Chris discovered he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene – one from each parent – meaning he is eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer's himself.
Though Chris emphasises in the documentary that he remains "far more focused on my dad," viewers cannot help but wonder how this journey colours his personal fears for the future.
The documentary reaches one of its most touching moments as father and son sit around a campfire, where Craig admits his greatest concern is becoming a burden to his family. Chris responds gently, "You're not going to be a burden, mate."
Director Tom describes this exchange as "two Aussie blokes' version of, 'I love you so much'. It's a really special moment."
Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip To Remember premieres on Monday on Disney+ and Monday at 9pm on National Geographic.
