Watch Life, Animated

Life, Animated is a 2016 documentary film directed by Roger Ross Williams that follows the story of a young autistic boy named Owen Suskind who found a way to communicate with the world through his love for animated movies. Owen was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and soon stopped speaking, leaving his family in a state of confusion and desperation. However, over time, Owen's parents - Ron and Cornelia Suskind - discovered that Owen's fascination with Disney films was the key to unlocking his mind and helping him connect with the world around him.

The movie begins by showing Owen as a teenager, living in his own apartment in Massachusetts and preparing to make a big move towards independence. Through interviews with his family, friends, and therapists, we learn about Owen's early years and the struggles his parents faced in trying to understand and help him. Ron Suskind, Owen's father, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who wrote a memoir about his family's journey called "Life, Animated." The book is the basis for the film and reveals the family's journey as they navigated Owen's autism and found a unique way to connect with him.

As the movie progresses, we see how Owen's obsession with Disney films has helped him develop a complex understanding of emotions, empathy, and the world around him. Using scenes and characters from movies like "The Lion King" and "Aladdin," Owen creates his own personal mythology that he uses to interpret and communicate with the world.

The film is a heartwarming portrayal of a family's love and determination in the face of adversity. It shows how Owen's disability does not define him and how his family's support helped him find a place in the world. It also explores the bigger themes of the importance of media representation for marginalized groups and how popular culture can have a profound impact on people's lives.

Throughout the movie, we see Owen's growth and progress in communicating with the world. He attends a special needs school, where he is encouraged to express himself through drama and performative arts. We see him connect with his friends and family, using his newfound voice to express his love and appreciation for those around him.

Ultimately, the film is a celebration of difference and a message of hope for families and individuals facing similar challenges. It shows that love, patience, and creativity can overcome even the most daunting obstacles, and that people with autism and other disabilities are capable of extraordinary things. The film is a tribute to Owen's resilience, his family's love, and the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire us all.

In conclusion, Life, Animated is a poignant and heartfelt documentary that tells the story of an exceptional young man who found his voice through his love for Disney movies. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the human experience and the transformative power of popular culture. The movie is a testament to the importance of empathy, communication, and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.

Life, Animated is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 75.