Enchanting ten year-old Freddie, with special needs, brings his burdened but devoted mother, Samantha, and new comer Max together, where they discover love and passion, a salve to their deep wounds as characterized by the Japanese term “Kintsukuroi” – more beautiful for having been broken.
Each of the women is holding a secret that will eventually bring everything to a head. I don’t want to give away too much of the film if you haven’t seen it. Suffice it to say there is a lot of drama, tension, and a few laughs along the way.
Cale Ferrin, who plays Freddie, steals the movie and our hearts!
Cale has Fanconi Anemia, a rare, inherited disease that mainly affects the bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells.
His disability doesn’t slow him or his infectious nature down though. He “knows things” and can see past pain and hurt into a person’s heart.
The chemistry between Zoe Ventoura and Kayla Radomski is palpable. Interspersing the love scene with a dance choreographed by Kayla Radomski is both beautiful and sensual.
There is also a terrific supporting cast including, Bruce Davison as Vivienne’s father, Kay Lenz as his girlfriend, Gabrielle Christian and Gabrielle Baba-Conn (Nicole’s daughter who is making her film debut) as Vivienne’s daughters, Brooke Elliott (Sweet Magnolias, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings), and French Stewart (3rd Rock From the Sun, Mom).
One of my favorite lines from the film is when Gabrielle (Gabrielle Baba-Conn) asks Freddie if he knows why he’s called special needs. (I’m paraphrasing the line.). She says it’s not because he needs us, but because we need him. The love and wisdom Freddie dispenses is something we all need now.
I can’t say enough good things about this film. I’ve seen it three times, and I always find something new to love about it each time I watch it.
You can stream the Director’s Cut now on Vimeo, Amazon Instant, iTunes, and GooglePlay.
