Watch The Special Need

The Special Need is a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary film from 2013 that follows one man’s quest to find a sexual partner before his 30th birthday. The film is directed by Carlo Zoratti and documents the story of Enea Gabino, a gay Italian man in his late 20s who has autism and an insatiable desire to have sex.

The movie opens with Enea discussing his search for a romantic partner with his two best friends, Carlo and Alex. Enea is very explicit about his desire to have sex and talks about it frequently throughout the film. He explains that he has never been in a relationship or had sex and how this lack of experience has made him feel isolated and depressed. His friends offer him advice and try to help him find someone, even going so far as to create a dating profile for him.

Enea’s autism makes it difficult for him to interpret social cues and understand the nuances of romantic relationships. He often struggles with communication and has a hard time expressing his emotions. Throughout the film, he attends therapy sessions and social events in an attempt to improve his social skills and meet people.

The movie follows Enea on a journey across Europe as he searches for a romantic partner. He travels to Berlin with his friends and attends a sex party, where he meets a man named Alexander. Alexander is also autistic, and the two of them bond over their shared experiences. Enea becomes infatuated with Alexander and starts to believe that he may be the one.

The film raises questions about consent and the ethics of sexual relationships with people who have disabilities. Enea’s friends, Carlo and Alex, are both concerned about his safety and well-being and try to protect him from potential harm. They express concern that Enea may not understand the risks involved in having sex and worry that someone could take advantage of him.

In one scene, Enea visits a sex worker in Amsterdam. The sex worker is very patient and kind to Enea, but the scene is uncomfortable to watch. Enea is clearly nervous and awkward, and it is clear that he is not prepared for what is happening. The scene raises important questions about the ethics of sex work and the ways in which people with disabilities are often exploited.

Overall, The Special Need is a powerful and engaging documentary that explores themes of love, sexuality, and disability. The film is shot in a candid and intimate style, with many scenes featuring Enea and his friends discussing their hopes and fears. The movie offers a glimpse into the life of someone with a disability and challenges viewers to think more deeply about the way we treat people who are different from ourselves.

In conclusion, The Special Need is a unique and fascinating documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the human experience. The film is both funny and poignant and offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of romantic relationships. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in disability studies, sexuality, or documentary filmmaking.

The Special Need is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.