Watch The Rainbow Kid

The Rainbow Kid, directed by Kire Paputts, is a poignant and heartwarming film that tells the story of Eugene, a 21-year-old man with Down Syndrome who embarks on a road trip to find a pot of gold that his mother told him about many years ago. The film provides a refreshing perspective on a marginalized community and highlights the struggles of individuals with special needs as they navigate life's challenges.

The film begins with Eugene, played by Dylan Harman, living in a nursing home and feeling out of place. His life is humdrum, and he longs for adventure. He decides to go on a journey to find the pot of gold and sets out with the help of his mother's old atlas.

Accompanying Eugene on his journey is a disheartened alcoholic named Larry, played by Julian Richings. Larry has his problems, but he is impressed by Eugene's zest for life, and he finds himself drawn to the enchanting world in which Eugene lives. Along the way, they meet a series of kind and generous strangers, each of whom leaves a lasting impression on their journey.

As they travel further, Eugene's spirit and Larry's contemplative nature begin to come together, allowing the two distinct characters to complement each other. As they encounter various obstacles, they also find ways to overcome them, creating a bond that is both unexpected and heartwarming.

One of the things that make this film special is its honesty. It portrays Eugene's life and perspective accurately and sensitively, without exploiting or romanticizing his condition. The film humanizes Eugene, and by the end of the movie, viewers recognize his value and worth as an individual. Eugene's infectious spirit and determination are inspiring and help put his disability into context, and the movie drives home the message that everyone has value.

The Rainbow Kid doesn't rely on big-screen drama or scripted moments but rather moves along a natural flow, showcasing the spontaneity and unpredictability of life. The road trip setting allows the filmmakers to showcase stunning landscapes and locations while at the same time providing an organic setting that allows the story to unfold naturally.

The film's performances are exceptional. Dylan Harman and Julian Richings anchor the movie and infuse their roles with the right amount of emotion and sensitivity. They get into their characters' skin, seamlessly capturing the essence of their respective roles. Nicholas Campbell and Tony Nappo, meanwhile, are formidable in their supporting roles, adding a subtle depth and dimension to the story.

One of the things that make The Rainbow Kid stand out is its dark humor. Paputts masterfully interweaves moments of comedy and warmth into the story without trivializing the serious issues the movie tackles. The tone of the movie is light and enjoyable, but the emotional depth and resonances are in no way compromised.

In conclusion, The Rainbow Kid is one of the best independent movies of 2015. It's a touching, stripped-down drama that features an engaging story, vibrant performance, and skilled direction. The Rainbow Kid is a feel-good movie that reaffirms the human experience's triumphs and trials, reminding viewers of what really matters in life. While it may not be a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, it is a full-hearted movie that is well worth the watch.

The Rainbow Kid is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.