Films and TV shows about disability offer a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of individuals living with disabilities. These stories often shed light on the experiences of people with disabilities, showcasing their resilience, strength, and the barriers they face in society. By portraying characters with disabilities in a variety of roles, these films and TV shows aim to promote inclusivity and diversity, while also raising awareness about the issues faced by people with disabilities.
“The Fundamentals of Caring”, 2015
Director: Rob Burnett
This Netflix original film follows the journey of a writer who becomes a caregiver to a teenager with muscular dystrophy. The story delves into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of living life to the fullest, despite physical limitations.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Jennifer Ehle, Selena Gomez, Megan Ferguson, Julia Denton Francis, Bobby Cannavale, Fred Weller, Alan Boell, Alex Huff, Donna Biscoe, Ashley White, Matthew Pruitt, Bill Murphey, Robert Walker Branchaud, Eric Singer, James Donadio, Samantha Huskey, Matt Mercurio, Victor Garibay, Sam Lazarus, Cassie, Tarik Chernet, Lori Hammel, Walter Hendrix III, Polly Mitchell Giles, Patti Schellhaas, Blake Sewell;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Fundamentals of Caring” on the website imdb.com
“The Upside”, 2018
Director: Neil Burger
A comedic drama that centers around the relationship between a wealthy paraplegic man and his ex-convict caregiver. The film explores themes of second chances, personal growth, and the unexpected bonds that form between people from different walks of life.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, Aja Naomi King, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Genevieve Angelson, Golshifteh Farahani, Tate Donovan, Julianna Margulies, Suzanne Savoy, Michael Quinlan, James Georgiades, Rachel Christopher, Diego Aguirre, Fernando Mateo Jr., Kimberly S. Fairbanks, Tatiana St. Phard, Rachel Alana Handler, Ricky Garcia, J.J. Gonzalez, Zak Corrigan, Jayson Ward Williams, Kittson O'Neill, Brian Gallagher, Phillip Chorba, Julie Potter, Tom Schmitt, Tyrone Mitchell Henderson, Christine Chang, Jason Bowen, Pia Mechler, Rigoberto Garcia, Karen Christie-Ward, John David Miles, Indra A. Thomas, Mikai Anthony, Jane Moore, Madeleine Woolner, Ambur Braid, Erica Brookhyser, John Moore, Yi Li, Michael William Kondyra, Nick Greece, Rob Sporrer, James M Adams, Adriana Alveario, Michael Antonio, Kristina Aponte, Tariq James Arthur;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Speechless”, 2016
Director: Christine Gernon, William Purple, Robert Cohen, Anya Adams
This TV series follows the DiMeo family, with a focus on JJ, a teenager with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair and communicates through a special device. The show provides a humorous and heartwarming portrayal of the everyday challenges faced by JJ and his family as they navigate life with a disability.
Starring: Minnie Driver, John Ross Bowie, Cedric Yarbrough, Mason Cook, Micah Fowler, Kyla Kenedy, Marin Hinkle, Jonathan Slavin, Sedona James, Liz Cackowski, Kayla Maisonet, Sarah Chalke, Karly Rothenberg, Jay Chandrasekhar, Lukita Maxwell, Christian Lees, Lance Lim, Cole Massie, Zach Anner, Rob Corddry, Kyle Gass, Jeromy Ramos, Kincaid Walker, Kate Bergeron, John Cleese, David Lengel, McKaley Miller, Paul F. Tompkins, Todd Aaron Brotze, Steve Agee, Liz Robertson, Jessica Belkin, Benjamin Patterson, Andrew Borba, Paul Bates, Rudy Martinez, Irene White, Emma Kidd, Alina Foley, Amy Tolsky, Derek Basco, Lena Torluemke, Harry Rob Bruner, Gabrielle Skye Goodman, Shirley Chen, Louisa Abernathy, Parker Wierling, Julian A. Sanchez, Jacob Clarke, Julianne Hough;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: comedy;
Age: 16+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Speechless” on the website imdb.com
“My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown”, 1989
Director: Jim Sheridan
This biographical film tells the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who becomes an accomplished writer and artist despite his physical limitations. The film offers a poignant portrayal of Brown's determination and artistic talent.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Hugh O'Conor, Brenda Fricker, Ray McAnally, Fiona Shaw, Kirsten Sheridan, Alison Whelan, Eanna MacLiam, Declan Croghan, Marie Conmee, Cyril Cusack, Phelim Drew, Eileen Colgan, Ruth McCabe, Adrian Dunbar, Pat Laffan, Derry Power, Darren McHugh, Owen Sharpe, Keith O'Conor, Tom Hickey, Julie Hale, Jacinta Whyte, Sarah Cronin-Stanley, Jean Doyle, Britta Smith, Lucy Vigne Welsh, Daniel Reardon, Conor Lambert, Martin Dunne, Charlie Roberts, Jer O'Leary, Mil Fleming, Simon Kelly, Eileen Kohlmann, Margaret Lyons, Patricia Higgins, Hilery O'Donovan, Don King, Jenny Bryne, Linda Walker, Albert Kavanagh, Joe Swan, Rita Lowe, Gerard Hourigan, Dawn Kursinczy, Denis O'Leary, Lesley Ann Long, Caromy Corcoran, Cathy Corcoran;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown” on the website imdb.com
These films and TV shows about disability offer diverse and compelling narratives that explore the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the impact they have on the world around them. They serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the power of human resilience.
The portrayal of disability in film and TV has evolved significantly over the years, offering a more nuanced and diverse representation of individuals with disabilities. From heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity to complex characters with multidimensional lives, these films and TV shows have shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and everyday experiences of people with disabilities. While there's still progress to be made in terms of authentic casting and storytelling, the growing presence of these narratives on screen is a step in the right direction, fostering empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive society. As filmmakers continue to explore these stories with sensitivity and authenticity, we can hope for even greater strides in representation and storytelling in the years to come.
