This film is part of Rentals
Life, Animated
A fascinating and moving documentary about how an autistic boy learned to communicate through Disney films.
Director: Roger Ross Williams
Overview
We’re all keenly aware of the life-affirming powers of the best Disney movies, but perhaps none more so than Owen Suskind. As a child, Suskind stopped speaking and was diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, but his love for Disney films led his family to develop an extraordinary way of communicating with him. Against medical advice, they helped him find his voice through mimicking and channelling Disney characters, using them as his point of reference and enabling him to grow into a self-assured, confident young man.
This outstanding documentary uses home movies, present-day footage and specially commissioned animation to provide insights into Owen’s childhood and remarkable story. Oscar®-winning director Roger Ross Williams has made a joyous and mesmerising film that’s a celebration of difference, diversity and animation.
infrequent mild sex references, languageRelated
South: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Glorious Epic of the Antarctic South: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Glorious Epic of the Antarctic
Documentary 1919 81 mins Silent Director: Frank Hurley
An extraordinary story of survival in the wastes of Antarctica.
The Ballymurphy Precedent The Ballymurphy Precedent
Documentary 2018 108 mins Director: Callum Macrae
John Pilger's film on the conflict in Northern Ireland is a skilful mix of investigative journalism, documentary storytelling and reflections on contemporary history.
Utopia Utopia
Documentary 2013 111 mins Director: John Pilger and Alan Lowery
John Pilger's portrayal of the oldest continuous human culture is also an investigation into a suppressed colonial past, and rapacious present.
The Coming War on China The Coming War on China
Documentary 2016 113 mins Director: John Pilger
John Pilger’s prescient 60th film for ITV is both a warning and an inspiring story of resistance.
Supersonic Supersonic
Documentary 2016 117 mins Director: Mat Whitecross
Relive the stratospheric rise of the kings of Britpop in this rousing nostalgic trip from the producers of Amy.
Gascoigne Gascoigne
Documentary 2015 87 mins Director: Jane Preston
Documentary portrait of the mercurial football genius who inspired the game’s modern renaissance while battling personal demons.
David Lynch: The Art Life David Lynch: The Art Life
Documentary 2016 88 mins Director: Rick Barnes, Olivia Neergaard-Holm and Jon Nguyen
An exquisitely textured and reflective documentary about Lynch as a visual artist.
Their Finest Their Finest
Comedy 2017 117 mins Director: Lone Scherfig
Gemma Arterton sparkles in this witty drama set in the world of propaganda filmmaking during WWII, from director Lone Scherfig (The Riot Club, An Education).
Elstree 1976 Elstree 1976
Documentary 2015 101 mins Director: Jon Spira
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, ten actors landed small roles in a mysterious project called Star Wars. This is the story of how their lives changed forever.
My Journey through French Cinema My Journey through French Cinema
Documentary 2016 193 mins Director: Bertrand Tavernier
Director Bertrand Tavernier guides us on a fascinating voyage through French film history, from the 1930s through to the '70s.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
Documentary 2017 89 mins Director: Alexandra Dean
Fascinating documentary about the glamorous Hollywood star who was also a genius inventor of military technology.
Mansfield 66/67 Mansfield 66/67
Documentary 2017 86 mins Director: P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes
Jayne Mansfield: Goddess? Genius? Satanist? This wild documentary from the makers of Room 237 examines the blonde bombshell's relationship with Anton LaVey.
South: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Glorious Epic of the Antarctic South: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Glorious Epic of the Antarctic
Documentary 1919 81 mins Silent Director: Frank Hurley
An extraordinary story of survival in the wastes of Antarctica.
Night Courier (Mandoob) Night Courier (Mandoob)
Comedy 2023 112 mins Director: Ali Kalthami
A desperate delivery driver gets caught up in the dark underworld of Riyadh in Ali Kalthami’s gripping, pitch-black satire.
The Ballymurphy Precedent The Ballymurphy Precedent
Documentary 2018 108 mins Director: Callum Macrae
John Pilger's film on the conflict in Northern Ireland is a skilful mix of investigative journalism, documentary storytelling and reflections on contemporary history.
Utopia Utopia
Documentary 2013 111 mins Director: John Pilger and Alan Lowery
John Pilger's portrayal of the oldest continuous human culture is also an investigation into a suppressed colonial past, and rapacious present.
The Coming War on China The Coming War on China
Documentary 2016 113 mins Director: John Pilger
John Pilger’s prescient 60th film for ITV is both a warning and an inspiring story of resistance.
Girls Will Be Girls Girls Will Be Girls
Drama 2024 119 mins Director: Shuchi Talati
Teenage romance simmers in a strict Himalayan boarding school in this sublime coming-of-age tale. Winner of the 2024 Sundance audience prize.