Watch The Horse Boy

In the 2009 documentary film The Horse Boy, directed by Michel Orion Scott, we follow a family’s journey to Mongolia in search of a cure for their son’s autism. Rupert Isaacson and Kristin Neff, a married couple with a young son named Rowan, struggle daily with Rowan’s severe autism. Rowan’s condition has left him unable to communicate effectively, and he experiences intense bouts of tantrums and self-injury. Rupert, who is a writer and horse trainer, and Kristin, who is a professor of psychology, are determined to find a way to alleviate the effects of Rowan’s autism and help him lead a more normal life.

After trying various therapies and failed attempts to find a cure for Rowan’s condition in their home country, Rupert and Kristin stumble upon a traditional shamanistic ritual that takes place in outer Mongolia. The ritual involves travelling with horses to a place believed to be sacred by the local tribes, where the shaman will conduct a healing ceremony. Rupert and Kristin are convinced that this may hold the key to healing Rowan and they set out on a journey across Mongolia to find the shaman.

The film follows the family as they travel through the stunningly beautiful Mongolian countryside, filming their struggles and triumphs along the way. We get to see the love and dedication Rupert and Kristin have for their child, and the toll that Rowan’s condition is taking on their relationship. The trip is challenging, both physically and emotionally, but they push on, determined to reach their goal.

The Horse Boy is a film that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It offers audiences a rare glimpse into the lives of a family struggling with a disability many of us know very little about. The film is not just about Rowan’s journey to healing but also about the journey that Rupert and Kristin take as individuals and as a couple. It is a testament to the incredible powers of love, hope, and perseverance.

One of the most captivating elements of the film is the relationship between Rowan and the horses. Rupert had always believed that his son had a deep connection with animals, and we see this bond firsthand in the film. Rowan is often more at ease when riding or interacting with horses, and the animals seem to have a calming effect on him. Watching Rowan interact with the horses is a beautiful reminder of the healing power of animals.

This film also offers viewers a rare glimpse into a culture that is very different from our own. We see the beauty and simplicity of the Mongolian way of life and get to observe a traditional shamanic ceremony. The Horse Boy is an excellent example of how travel can broaden our understanding of the world and the people in it.

Director Michel Orion Scott has done an exceptional job capturing the spirit of the journey. He’s made the audience feel like they are on the trip with the family. We get to experience the highs and lows, the excitement and the exhaustion. The camera work is excellent, and the shots of the Mongolian landscape are breathtaking.

Overall, The Horse Boy is a moving and inspiring documentary that is not to be missed. It is a film that shows us the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. The journey that Rupert, Kristin and Rowan take is an emotional one, and the film will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired to see the world with new eyes. It is a film that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking healing and hope in the face of adversity.

The Horse Boy is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 64.