A Life in Tandem review – bicycling cancer survivor brings family issues along for the ride

The article discusses a documentary film titled "A Life in Tandem" that follows the journey of Bristolian Luke Grenfell-Shaw, a cancer survivor who decides to cycle from Bristol to Beijing on a tandem bicycle. The film chronicles Luke's determination to complete this challenge despite being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that had already spread to his lungs. The film's narrative is not without its complications, as it also explores Luke's complex relationship with his mother, Jenny, as they navigate the challenges of the journey together. Additionally, the film touches upon the underlying family drama, including Luke's father leaving his mother for another woman. The article highlights the interweaving of Luke's personal and family issues with the central narrative of his cancer battle and his ambitious cycling endeavor. While the story of a cancer survivor overcoming adversity is compelling, the film's focus on the family dynamics and interpersonal conflicts adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.