Come As You Are

Come As You Are is an extraordinary independent film released in 2019 under the expert direction of Richard Wong, and written by Erik Linthorst. The film cleverly uses humor and empathy to delicately explore themes of love, acceptance, and veering slightly from what society perceives as normal. It stars Grant Rosenmeyer, Hayden Szeto, and Ravi Patel, who deliver fantastic, heartwarming and hilarious performances throughout.

Come As You Are is an artfully updated remake of the Belgian film 'Hasta La Vista', and follows the journey of three young differently abled men restless from the limitations their disabilities place on their lives. Grant Rosenmeyer plays Scotty, a bright, engaging, 24-year-old with paraplegia, confined to a wheelchair after a childhood accident. Rosenmeyer's portrayal of Scotty is compelling and relatable. His character lives with his mother and lacks the freedom that most men his age would have. The internal struggle to break free from parental supervision is relatable for any viewer, with Rosenmeyer’s performance making it seem quite palpable.

Hayden Szeto plays Matt, a slightly older character who suffers from Mutiple sclerosis, MS. Szeto's portrayal is quite powerful, offering a remarkable insight into the daily struggles and realities of living with a degenerative disorder. His character subtly exhibits the desire for independence and is caught in balancing his own wants with the needs of those around him.

Ravi Patel lifts the humor and lightness in the film with his portrayal of Mo, a sight-impaired man of the world. As the only character not physically disabled, Patel’s Mo provides a different perspective on the themes of the film. This trio of friends are from different walks of life and have unique life situations, but their friendship and camaraderie are touching and provide for many of the film's most compelling and comedic moments.

With the yearning desire for some adventure and to break away from their overprotective parents, the three friends set out on a mission - a road trip to Canada. Their goal is to visit a place where they can experience a physical aspect that has, up until now, been out of their reach due to their disabilities - a brothel catering to people with special needs. This daring plan drives the storyline, setting up many comedic and poignant moments.

They hire a no-nonsense driver, Sam, who is played beautifully by Gabourey Sidibe. The Academy Award nominee brings her craft to a new level as she navigates the group towards their destination, dealing with the ups and downs of the journey. Throughout the movie, she adds her own struggles and stories into the mix, juxtaposing the males' narrative with a different perspective. This road trip narrative lends a sense of excitement and anticipation to the movie, and the obstacles (both physical and societal) that they face on the journey provide moments of both humor and tension.

Wong's confident and sensitive direction makes 'Come As You Are' a touching film. He delves into the topic of disability without a hint of condescension or disrespect. By crafting disabled characters who are three-dimensional and full of interesting qualities, the director challenges societal perceptions of the disabled community.

The film is shot mostly in a van and the tight quarters allow for an intimate portrayal of the friends' relationships, their shared determination, and the shifting dynamics when the spirited Sam enters the fold. There are moments of heartfelt revelation and tension that play out in the confined interior, which make these character portrayals even more powerful.

'Come As You Are' thus stands out by threading the needle between comedy and drama, creating characters with depth and venturing into subject matter typically avoided in cinema. It's a story of friendship, growth, acceptance and gives you a thought-provoking perspective into the lives of individuals with disabilities. It's a warm, humorous and inspiring tribute to the human spirit, breaking down archetypes and offering audiences a fresh and engaging narrative experience.