CoPilots is a fictional short that tells the story of a couple over the course of their lifetimes. The first scene depicts them in their elderly years, and it quickly becomes apparent that Daniel has developed Alzheimer's later in life. Margaret struggles to help him and keep him safe, and a scary encounter on this particular night sends her reeling into a sea of memories from their younger days. We as viewers are led on a journey through these memories and see Margaret and Daniel's beautiful relationship form and grow over the course of their lifetimes.
The film dotes heavily on the symbol of the paper airplane, and you will notice that they appear in many different scenes across many years of Margaret and Daniel's relationship. As it stands alone, the paper airplane is not a particularly strong symbol, but for Margaret and Daniel, it starts to represent their love and connection. They make paper airplanes in their youth out of playfulness, in times of stress and angst as a means of comfort, and in times of celebration to signify their joy and contentment; the paper airplane was present with them for every major life event, and so it becomes special to them as a symbol of all they have been through. The theme of the paper airplane then becomes a powerful reminder that everyone needs a copilot in love, through both the good times and the bad. Margaret and Daniel's relationship aims to show us that, no matter the struggle, unconditional love will conquer all.
I was fighting back tears as I watched CoPilot, but I was left feeling wonderfully uplifted by its overwhelmingly positive message about love and compassion. What did you think of the film and its message? Does this remind you of your own relationship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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