Fly Away

Fly Away is a heart-warming and emotionally gripping 2011 film directed and written by Janet Grillo. This American independent drama stars Beth Broderick, Ashley Rickards, and Aramazd Stepanian, showcasing their incredible acting skills, with poignant performances that leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Beth Broderick, known for her captivating performances, plays the role of Jeanne, a single mother who runs her own home-based business to provide for her child. Her life takes a different distinction as she is also a mother to Mandy, an endearing teenager with severe autism, portrayed impressively by Ashley Rickards. Fly Away presents a compelling narrative focusing on the life of these two characters and their struggle to navigate through life, given their unique circumstances.

The film underscores the maternal dexterity of Jeanne as she attempts to balance her professional life while also caring for her special needs daughter. Jeanne's struggle is palpable, as Broderick delivers a powerful portrayal of a mother relentlessly trying to fortify a secure future for her child, even as the demands become increasingly challenging as her daughter grows older. Mandy, on the other hand, is a high spirited teenager whose world is an enchanting mixture of music exercises and outdoor trips, amidst her struggle with Autism. Rickards' portrayal of Mandy effectively captures the essence of the character and offers viewers a deeply personal insight into her world.

Fly Away also takes the audience on Mandy's journey as she hits adolescence and becomes increasingly difficult to guide and control. Her unbridled energy and her inability to communicate frequently result in her eruptive disruption. The dialogue written for Mandy is deeply emotional and expressive, aimed to resonate with individuals who interact with individuals diagnosed with Autism.

Aramazd Stepanian, another key character in the story, also gives a remarkable performance as Pete, a kind man and a good neighbor, who frequently plays calming piano tunes that soothe Mandy. His character not only adds depth to the plot but also paints a pleasant picture of compassion and understanding between the characters.

Director Janet Grillo does an exceptional job capturing the minutiae of the characters' lives, conveying their emotional struggles, and presenting their journey. Grillo’s personal experience as a mother of a child with Autism adds a veneer of raw authenticity to the film, effectively striking a chord with audiences. The subject matter is treated with the right amount of sensitivity and honesty, bringing about a balanced perspective.

Cinematographer, Sandra Valde-Hansen's brilliant use of visuals in Fly Away elegantly encapsulates the nuances of Autism. These visuals, combined with the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Luke Rothschild, serve to deepen the audience’s understanding and empathy towards the characters as they traverse through their life's complications. The combined efforts of the production design, lighting, sounds, and locations strike a balance between the challenging plot and the light-hearted moments, rendering the movie a must-watch.

Fly Away draws attentiveness to Autism, spotlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with this condition, and their families. It gracefully reveals how love, compassion, perseverance, and understanding are integral in overcoming adversity and finding new ways to communicate and connect. It beautifully intertwines Jeanne’s tough love, Mandy's innocent charm, and Pete's benevolence, highlighting the varying facets of humanity embodied in their characters.

Ultimately, Fly Away is much more than a narrative about Autism. It is a beautifully wrought exploration of parenthood, responsibility, and the enduring bond between a mother and her daughter. It speaks volumes about acceptance, love, and the strength derived from enduring struggles. Across the highs and lows of the plot, it reminds viewers of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. A captivating watch from start to finish, Fly Away is certainly a gem of a film that carries an important message about understanding, accepting, and loving differently-abled individuals.