Out of My Mind
★★★★
If the creators of Out of My Mind set out to make their audience cry, mission accomplished. This movie left me reaching for the tissues more times than I’d like to admit. Whether it was the sheer emotional power of the story or the fact that I haven’t had a good cathartic “man cry” in a while, I found myself weeping like I was at a funeral. My kids, seated beside me, exchanged baffled glances as if wondering, "What’s wrong with dad?"
But beyond the tears, this film shines as a heartwarming family movie with the potential to be truly great. The story centers on a family navigating life with their oldest daughter (Phoebe-Rae Taylor), who has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal. The narrative follows her transition from a specialized education environment to a mainstream classroom and her courageous journey to find her voice amidst a sea of skeptics and outright mean-spirited individuals. Set in the early 1990s, the film captures the harsh reality of that era’s lack of inclusivity, particularly through the attitudes of her classmates and one memorable teacher (Michael Chernus).
Rosemarie DeWitt, as the ever-supportive mother, is her usual excellent self. However, it’s the father’s performance (Luke Kirby) that stands out. Known to fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Lenny Bruce, he delivers an understated and deeply believable portrayal of a man navigating the complexities of his daughter’s journey.
While the first two acts are emotionally gripping and filled with meaningful moments, the third act stumbles into some overly predictable territory. A subplot involving the entire class rallying around a Whiz Kids-style competition felt more like a Hollywood fantasy than something rooted in reality. Additionally, the film occasionally veers into emotional overload, as if the writer and director were too eager to squeeze every last tear out of the audience.
Despite these minor flaws, Out of My Mind is a touching and timely story about acceptance, empathy and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness in a world that often seems to lack it. Watching this film as a family is a wonderful experience, as it champions the values of understanding and compassion—messages that couldn’t be more relevant today.
Bring your tissues, prepare your heartstrings and enjoy this movie that dares to make you feel. It’s a sweet, sometimes bittersweet journey that lingers long after the credits roll.
