Shubhabrata Dutta
“And now I know it is perfectly natural for me not to look at someone when I talk. Those of us with Asperger’s are just not comfortable doing it. In fact, I don’t really understand why it’s considered normal to stare at someone’s eyeballs,” says John Elder Robison, author of the 2007 memoir ‘Look Me in the Eye.’ Autistic characters have been at the center of some significant stories told in the past few years. Shows like ‘Atypical‘ and ‘Touch’ have furthered the conversation about the representation of autistic people. Apart from the series, Netflix also features a few movies that center on this topic and show the audience the world from a different perspective.
6. Tyson’s Run (2022)
In this movie, we follow a fifteen-year-old autistic boy named Tyson (Major Dodson) whose shift from homeschooling to public school is overwhelming. He has also yet to prove himself to his father, Bobby (Rory Cochrane), a football coach. When Tyson learns about an upcoming marathon, he decides to participate to win over his father. He reaches out to Aklilu (Barkhad Abdi), a marathon runner/champion, and agrees to help him. Assisted by Aklilu, a new friend at school named Shannon (Layla Felder), and his mother, Eloise (Amy Smart), Tyson tries to prove that his autism cannot stand in the way of his dreams. To join Tyson on his quest, you can watch ‘Tyson’s Run,’ directed by Kim Bass, right here.
5. Keys to the Heart (2023)
Directed by Kerwin Go, this Filipino drama is a remake of the 2018 Korean film of the same name. It follows Joma (Zanjoe Marudo), a former boxer struggling to make ends meet. One of these days, he meets his estranged mother Sylvia (Dolly de Leon) after 17 years and decides to shift to her place. He is taken by surprise when he comes face-to-face with his autistic half-brother Jayjay (Elijah Canlas), someone he had no idea existed. Jayjay is great at the piano. We find out how these two brothers get along and forge an unlikely relationship underscored by their respective arts and the give and take between the brothers in this moving family drama. You can watch it here.
4. The Grown-Ups (2016)
Directed by Maite Alberdi, ‘The Grown-Ups’ is a Chilean documentary that follows a group of people with Down syndrome who have been a part of the same school for the last 40 years. Their condition, despite their urge to be independent and be treated like adults, makes them ill-equipped for it, especially without assistance. Moreover, society itself doesn’t approve of their dreams. Mixed tenderly with sweetness and humor, ‘The Grown-Ups’ is yet a moving and painful portrayal of the issues that people with Down syndrome face; issues that have nothing to do with their condition. You can stream the documentary here.
3. The Lighthouse of the Orcas (2016)
‘The Lighthouse of the Orcas’ is an Argentinean movie that is an enchanting amalgamation of a nature documentary and a fairy tale set in gorgeous, remote Patagonia. It is also inspired by a true story. Lola is the mother of Tristan, who has autism, does not speak, and is prone to frequent panic attacks. Desperate to see some improvement in her son’s condition, she brings him to meet the marine biologist turned park warden, Beto Bubas, because Tristan would watch his programs on TV and become enthusiastic. Although Bubas is initially reluctant, he later changes his heart and invites the family to stay in his cottage. He gradually takes Tristan out, exposes him to the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants, especially the orcas, and takes him riding and rowing on his boat. Slowly, we see the little boy reacting positively to his surroundings. You can watch it here.
2. I Used to Be Famous (2022)
Directed by Eddie Sternberg, ‘I Used to Be Famous’ is about a former band member, Vince Denham (Ed Skrein), who is looking for a second chance at a gig. One day, while playing his keyboard in the middle of a market, Vince comes across 18-year-old Stevie (Leo Long), who seems to be a good drummer. What follows is how the two team up and support each other to become the best version of themselves by overcoming their struggles, especially after Vince finds out that Stevie is autistic. But how long can their gigs last when Vince’s mother, Amber (Eleanor Matsuura), doesn’t want to risk her son’s meltdowns and unrealistic expectations? To find out, you can watch this beautifully moving film right here.
1. The Accountant (2016)
This cult thriller is directed by Gavin O’Connor and stars Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff. Wolff has autism, but it has also led to his heightened cognitive abilities, including a special attraction for maths and numbers. He applies this talent to help criminal organizations “cook their books” to avoid getting flagged by legal authorities, making a lot of money. However, when he is targeted by hitmen after he points out flaws in the finances of his latest client, he decides to put his other set of skills to use to find the culprit who wants him dead, that of a trained killer. Alongside Affleck, the film also stars Anna Kendrick, J. K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, and John Lithgow. You can watch ‘The Accountant’ here.
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