#70: Film Review – Out of My Mind

Background

‘Out of My Mind’ is a new film on Disney+ about Melody Brooks, a non speaking wheelchair user with cerebral palsy portrayed by Phoebe-Rae Taylor. It is based on the bestselling novel of the same name written by Sharon M. Draper. The film started streaming on Disney+ in November 2024. Note: Mild spoilers ahead.

Good

First, it was amazing to see a character with cerebral palsy portrayed in a film by an actor who actually has cerebral palsy. Historically such films often used non-disabled actors instead, which is a disservice to the estimated 7.1% of actors with disabilities. The director, Amber Sealey should be praised for the hard work it takes to select an actor with disabilities.

Second, the film shows what an amazing person Melody is. While her classmates view her as disabled and different, they ignore the fact that she is smart with a photographic memory, that she has hopes and dreams, and that she wants many of the same things girls in school want. A lot of people don’t realize that people with disabilities are amazing people and that we are more alike.

Third, unlike similar films, I appreciated how ‘Out of My Mind’ shows the struggles of parents. Because being a parent is hard enough, but being a parent to a child with disabilities is often more difficult. In the film, Melody’s dad is more supportive and open to trying new things compared to Melody’s mom. For example, moving Melody out of special education and into a regular classroom and using assistive technology to help her speak with an electronic voice. Whereas Melody’s mom would rather keep things the way they are because of hard it was. Such conflicts show that parents often need to make difficult choices.

Fourth, the film shows how difficult it can be to get support in schools for students with disabilities when the system is broken and I can imagine it will resonate with many parents. For example, in a meeting to discuss Melody’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan), the school administrators and teachers are dismissive of Melody’s desire for learning and want to just keep her in special education because of her limitations. This quote will probably resonate with many parents when her dad asks: “If Melody exceeds your expectations, why don’t you raise your expectations?” Also at the film’s two-thirds mark is one of the most powerful quotes that rams home the point: “Disabilities don’t hold students back. Schools do.”.

Bad

First, while I appreciated that ‘Out of My Mind’ showed the darkness of depression and how it impacts so many people with disabilities, I think more could have been shown around bullying. Bullying and discrimination affects many students with disabilities and it hurts. I went through that myself growing up.

Second, while Melody was able to receive and benefit from assistive technology, the film made it look like they were easy to get. In reality, many students with disabilities, especially from disadvantaged communities would struggle to get the same level of help. I think the film could have spent a little more time with that.

Closing Thoughts

‘Out of My Mind’ is an amazing heartwarming film with an amazing main character. Having an actor who actually has cerebral palsy in the lead role is also groundbreaking and I hope it opens doors for the actor and other actors with disabilities. It also shows how a person who can’t speak can still find their voice and to make themselves heard while going to school. Highly recommended.

“This will all go a lot better if you just listen.” -Melody

4/5

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.