You and The Thing That You Love

You and The Thing That You Love (2020), directed by Nicholas Maher, tells the inspirational story of skateboarder Nick Mullins. The short documentary begins with a failed attempt on a kickflip by Mullins, and then a short struggle to find and retrieve the board, guided by a friendly voice. With this introduction the viewer is learning two important things about the central character: Mullins is a skateboarder and blind. The choice to start the film with a failed attempt and a struggle to try again, sets the film’s narrative as one of persistence and triumph over what may appear impossible. Not only was it skateboarding that led to the incident which caused the loss of vision, and briefly, the loss of a desire to do anything, but it was also skateboarding that pulled Mullins out of depression and back into the world.

At the time of the injury, Nick Mullins was a rising star in the Detroit skate scene, known for exceptional skill and style at local skateparks. He was actively putting together a sponsorship video in hopes of attracting sponsors, a common route for ambitious skaters seeking to go pro. Mullins recounts losing vision after contracting a flesh-eating staph infection, M.R.S.A., following a fall. Placed in a coma with a 99% chance of dying.

Upon awakening, Mullins discovered blindness, and the miracle of survival was overshadowed by an all encompassing fear that there was nothing left. After a three month bed ridden depression, he describes what seems to be a flip of a switch, a sudden awakening, bringing into question the months of doing nothing with a key realization, "I still have my arms and legs, I can still walk, I can still breathe, I can still talk, I can still think, I just can’t see."

Returning to the skatepark, Mullins focused on sounds: the grinds, slides, snaps of the board and the satisfying and distinct sound of landing a trick. This new relationship with the skate soundscape inspired a return to risk-taking, beginning with half-pipes, described as having been a favorite. His style & form reemerged, hitting tricks mastered before losing his vision. Reconnecting the past skills to the present was like falling in love with skateboarding all over again. 

Mullins’ story is a journey of loss, perseverance, and reclamation. He continues to skate, and was invited to the Paris Olympics (2024) to test the skateboarding course along with being recognized by Tony Hawk for his impressive feats. The documentary emphasizes one should not abandon hope, in finding a way back to what brings you joy. As an aspiring filmmaker, and skateboarder the film serves a dual purpose: it shares an inspiring story reminding me to stick with it despite the challenges.

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Isaac Grad is an undergraduate Senior double majoring in English and Psychology at the University of Connecticut. As an intern at WithItGirl, Isaac focuses on skateboarding culture, utilizing film as well as writing to explore the world of skateboarding. During the semester Isaac writes for the school paper, The Daily Campus, with a focus on media. He enjoys writing creatively, particularly poetry and screenplays. Along with learning languages and traveling. In his spare time he ice skates, snowboards, skateboards, reads, and watches movies. 

Additional information

Nicholas Maher (Director): @mashmyles

Nick Mullin:@blindlionn 

Adaptive Skateboarding for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Keep Pushing, Inc

Shout Out and thanks to Luis Yllanes former Executive Director of Five Point Film Festival for bringing this beautiful film to our attention many years ago.

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