When it comes to films centered around autistic children, one often approaches them with a certain level of empathy. However, there are those that fail to meet expectations. Take, for instance, this particular road movie. While the filmmakers clearly have good intentions and likely draw from personal experiences, it doesn't excuse the profound irritation caused by certain elements.

Uncovering the Truth Behind a Film about Autistic Children

The Annoying Adult in the Room

Max (played by Bobby Cannavale), a New Jersey wise guy striving to be a standup comedian, uses his son Ezra's autism as material on stage. It's not that his jokes are daring or honest; instead, they focus on Ezra's early speech delay and his current constant chatter. This approach not only annoys Ezra's mother, Jenna (Rose Byrne, Cannavale's real-life partner), but also leads to conflicts over Ezra's education and medical treatment.Jenna is open to exploring anti-psychotic medication to calm Ezra's behavior, while Max strongly opposes it. Additionally, they differ on whether Ezra should attend a specialist school for autistic kids or a mainstream school. Max believes the latter will help Ezra fit into society, while Jenna has different ideas.

The Family Debate

This family dynamic is familiar to many families with autistic children. The film fails to delve deeply into the nuances of mainstream versus specialist schools, using the clash merely as a plot device to create a crisis. As a result, Max ends up "abducting" Ezra for a cross-country road trip, with Jenna and Max's father Stan (Robert De Niro, who has shared his parenting experiences with an autistic child) in pursuit. Along the way, various issue-driven scenes unfold, exploring whether Max and Stan themselves might be on the spectrum and delving into their childhood traumas.

The Director's Touch

Director Tony Goldwyn's presence as Jenna's current partner is evident in the performance-led nature of the material. It gives a spontaneous and semi-improvised feel to certain scenes, which actually enhances the empathy for the characters. It shows that behind the story lies a genuine understanding of the struggles faced by these families.In conclusion, this film presents a complex situation with autistic children and their families. While it has its moments of authenticity and empathy, it also falls short in certain aspects. It serves as a reminder that while good intentions are important, the execution must also be careful and nuanced.