As the year comes to a close, we at Bascule Entertainment are taking a moment to celebrate exceptional movies, that not only captivated audiences, but also ignited meaningful conversations about inclusion and disability representation in the entertainment industry.
Here are five films that truly impressed us this year:
1. A Different Man
A Different Man is a dark comedy/ thriller, that tells the story of a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes reconstructive surgery, looking for a new life, and to be, (what is described as), ‘healed’. As he grapples with his identity and societal perceptions, the film dives deep into themes of self-acceptance and authenticity. Starring Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson (an actor that has neurofibromatosis himself), the film refuses to follow the usual tropes or stereotypes around disfigurement, challenging viewers to reconsider their biases about appearance and identity.
The film has been critically acclaimed and received a great response at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
2. Ezra
Ezra tells the touching story of a child with autism, played by William A. Fitzgerald, (a young actor who has autism), who embarks on a transformative road trip with his father, Max, portrayed by Bobby Cannavale. Written by Tony Spiridakis, the screenplay draws heavily from his personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism. Director Tony Goldwyn, upon taking on the project, insisted on casting an autistic actor for the role of Ezra, ensuring the character’s portrayal remained as true to life as possible. Authenticity extended beyond the cast to the filmmaking process itself. Associate producer Alex Plank, who is autistic, played a key role in fostering understanding of neurodiversity among the crew. Plank led on-set awareness sessions to educate the team on creating an accessible and accommodating environment. Released in June, the film has already earned widespread acclaim for its authentic depiction of autism. The film has been nominated for and won awards at several film festivals.
3. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
This biopic chronicles the inspiring life of Christopher Reeve, the iconic actor who became a quadriplegic following a devastating horseback riding accident. The film delves into his journey as a disability rights advocate and his determination to redefine life on his own terms. The film is an emotional journey that delves into Reeve’s life and relationships post-paralysis, as well as his work as an activist for disability rights. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story won all six of its nominated categories at the 9th Critics Choice Documentary Awards, including Best Director and Best Editing.
4. Daruma
Daruma tells the story of an unemployed man with a disability who discovers he has a four-year-old daughter. Alongside his neighbour, who also has a disability, they embark on a cross-country journey to reunite the girl with her grandparents. DARUMA is groundbreaking in that it is the first film in US cinematic history to feature two authentically cast disabled leads in a narrative not centered around overcoming disability. The lead characters are played by Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson. The film premiered at the Dances with Films Festival and went on to have a successful run on the indie festival circuit. Highlights include a Best Acting award for John W. Lawson at the Slamdance Film Festival and a Best Actor accolade for Tobias Forrest. DARUMA has gained support from several prominent disability organizations, including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, EasterSeals, and many others, reinforcing its commitment to authentic representation and inclusion in film.
5. Out of My Mind
Based on the best-selling novel, by Sharon M. Draper Out of My Mind is a ‘coming-of-age’ drama based on the story of Melody, a young girl with cerebral palsy who is non-verbal, but determined to make her voice heard in a world where she is constantly underestimated and unable to achieve her potential. Using assistive technology, Melody demonstrates how her intelligence and courage can transcend the physical barriers she faces. The film has been hailed for its depiction of the experiences of children with disabilities, demonstrating the necessity and importance of accessible education and celebrating the powers of diverse methods of communication. Phoebe-Rae Taylor, (who has cerebral palsy herself), plays Melody, in what has been her first acting role. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 19,2024, and was released on Disney+ on November 22, 2024.
Good Bad Things
As we round up the best films of the year, we’d be remiss not to mention the remarkable Good Bad Things. Though it premiered and saw a limited release in 2024, its wider availability is set for 2025 when it will debut on DVD and streaming platforms. The film has already garnered significant praise and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one to watch. Its compelling storytelling and masterful performances have sparked widespread anticipation for its broader release. Stay tuned, as we’ll be dedicating a full blog review to this standout feature in 2025, delving into why it’s destined to be a highlight for next year…
Movies have the power to do more than just entertain—they can educate, inspire, and challenge perceptions, and these films offer audiences a chance to see disability through a fresh and more empathetic lens. Of course, this often relies on authentic representation, a crucial element that sadly still remains underdeveloped in the industry. There is still much work to be done to ensure disability is portrayed genuinely and inclusively on our screens.
As we celebrate the strides made with these remarkable films, we look forward to even more groundbreaking cinematic achievements in 2025 that continue to reshape the way the world perceives disability.
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