In 2014 journalist Ron Suskind wrote "Life Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism" about his son Owen. At the age of 3 Owen is diagnosed with Autism and he stops talking. The only thing that draws him out are the Disney animated films he watches with other brother Walt. Later, he starts talking and understanding his world by using Disney movies.
Owen is preparing to graduate from high school. He created a Disney club at school, to help his classmates (who are also autistic), to interact with the world and difficult concepts through Disney. He is excited the graduate and start life on his own. He gets an apartment and a job. But there are some things that Disney can't provide.
This is a beautiful and emotional film. The Suskind family lays their story out, complete with home movies and family pictures. They don't shy away from the difficult moments and allow themselves to be emotional. They also talk about the future and their fears about what will happen when Owen's parents, Ron and Cornelia, get older and are no longer able to care for him as they do now. He is very functional, and has an apartment, but will always require more from them.
The documentary is very well-done and it makes me want to read Ron's book about Owen. Owen is charismatic and full of life, and you cheer for the Suskind family with every new victory and mourn with every defeat. It will also feel very real for anyone that loves someone with autism.
This film is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Life Animated (2016) minutes
Director: Roger Ross Williams
Starring: Owen Suskind
Ron Suskind
Cornelia Suskind
Walt Suskind
Jonathan Freeman
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