The documentary May Contain: My Life sheds light on the daily realities of living with severe food allergies, a condition often misunderstood by the general public. The film follows several individuals as they navigate a world in which a single bite of the wrong food can trigger a life-threatening reaction. By focusing on personal stories, the documentary seeks to bridge the gap between those living with allergies and those who may view them as a minor inconvenience.
The film emphasizes that food allergies are far more than a dietary preference—they are a constant, high-stakes medical condition. It highlights the mental and emotional burden carried by those affected, including the need for constant vigilance when eating away from home or taking part in everyday activities. This ongoing awareness shapes nearly every decision, underscoring how invisible the condition can be to those who do not share the experience.
A particularly moving aspect of the documentary is its portrayal of how food allergies affect children and their sense of belonging. The film shows how dietary restrictions and safety concerns can lead to exclusion from social events such as birthday parties and school activities. It also incorporates dramatized elements featuring actors such as August Maturo and Tanner Hagan. In one storyline, Hagan portrays a bully who introduces food containing peanuts to a child with a life-threatening allergy, underscoring the very real dangers of ignorance and intentional exposure. These scenes reinforce how social dynamics and misunderstandings can escalate into serious health risks.
The documentary also features advocates such as Thomas Silvera and Dina Hawthorne, who have turned personal loss into efforts to raise awareness and improve safety. Their stories highlight the importance of better education, preparedness, and broader understanding of how to respond to allergic emergencies, particularly in settings involving children.
A medical perspective is provided by Dr Ruchi Gupta, who helps contextualize the scope and seriousness of food allergies. Her insights reinforce that these conditions are not lifestyle choices but significant medical issues requiring awareness, proper diagnosis, and preparedness. The film also includes voices from public figures such as Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, who lends his support to raising awareness and broadening the conversation around the impact of food allergies.
I’m living proof that people with food allergies are not weak. My career was built on strength, and I bring that same discipline to managing my life with food allergies every day.
— Jerome Bettis
In addition to personal narratives, the film addresses the broader cultural challenges faced by the food allergy community, including skepticism and lack of awareness. It underscores the importance of taking allergies seriously and respecting the precautions individuals must take to stay safe.
Ultimately, May Contain: My Life serves as a call for greater empathy and understanding. By putting real faces and stories to a condition often reduced to labels and warnings, the film encourages viewers to recognize the seriousness of food allergies and the need for a more informed and compassionate society.
Here is the trailer for the film:
Premiering May 21 in Kansas City, May Contain: My Life will be released internationally in AMC Theatres beginning May 22 during Food Allergy Awareness Month.
