Asperger's Are Us

Asperger's Are Us, a 2016 offbeat documentary film, is an arresting exploration of the world seen through the eyes of four young men variously diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication. The film, directed by Alex Lehmann and produced by acclaimed actor and comedian Mark Duplass, stars Noah Britton, Ethan Finlan, and Jack Hanke, who together form the titular comedy troupe "Asperger's Are Us."

The movie kicks off by introducing the group, each member having been friends since childhood when they met at a summer camp for kids with Asperger's. Recognizing a shared love for absurdist humor, they formed the first known comedy troupe comprised entirely of performers diagnosed with Asperger's. Asperger's Are Us centers around the final tour that the troupe plans before they move onto different paths in life.

Noah Britton is, in many ways, the heart of the group, mature and empathetic, he serves as a mentor and older brother figure to the others. Ethan Finlan, the detail-obsessed transportation enthusiast contributes plenty of unique ideas, while Jack Hanke is the most accomplished actor of the group. The dynamic between the foursome is relatable, akin to longtime friends who share mutual respect, even amidst the squabbles.

Throughout the movie, the audience grows to appreciate that the troupe finds their humor in their differences rather than shying away from them. Rather than using comedy as a tool to overcome or cope with their diagnosis, they instead make light of how neurotypical people might perceive them. This approach is a refreshing and empowering one, giving us a direct view into the bond between these friends.

Asperger's Are Us presents a profound and intimate look at friendship, acceptance, and the power of humor as an expressive tool. It strikes an impressive balance between the touching, human moments and hilarity, offering a compassionate and illuminating portrait of The troupe's world. Lehmann's restrained yet insightful style of filming avoids overdramatizing or overly simplifying the young men's experiences. Instead, he masterfully captures their day-to-day struggles, their relationships, and of course, their shared passion for humor.

Enriched with personal interviews, on-tour footage, and an up-close look at their preparation process, this documentary film offers a whistle-stop tour of the methodical contemplation behind their sketches. From the very beginning, viewers will find themselves drawn into their funny and peculiar world. Their originality and refusal to conform to the societal norm make Asperger's Are Us a must-watch film for anyone looking to understand what it's like living with Asperger's Syndrome, or simply looking for a unique, heartwarming story of friendship and perseverance.

The film goes beyond the troupe's Asperger's diagnosis to celebrate their individual personalities and quirks. It expertly circles the duality of life with Asperger's—glimpsing the tough moments of high stress and frustration, while also highlighting the joyful, humorous, and creative moments. Their resilience and charisma alongside their blunt and absurdist humor create an insightful viewing experience, offering us valuable lessons about resilience, camaraderie, and the beauty of harnessing what makes us different into something uniquely special.

On stage, the individuals in Asperger’s Are Us exhibit their awkward humor, technical acumen, and most importantly, their keen comedic timing. Through their natural flair for comedy, they challenge conventional perceptions about autism and comedy, proving that, just like anyone else, they too can humorously depict the human condition.

Much more than an autism spectrum documentary, Asperger's Are Us invites the audience to see the world through a different lens, to laugh, and to learn. Touchingly sincere yet constantly engaging, it forces us to reconsider the very nature of comedy, reflecting upon a compelling blend of the poignant and the hilarious. It queries what it means to be ‘normal’, asserting that comedy, among other things, is subjective, relative, and, most decisively, inclusive. At its core, the film is an ode to the crusade of creating humor and friendship, irrespective of societal norms and against all odds.