My Blind Brother

My Blind Brother is a 2016 American comedy film directed by Sophie Goodhart. The movie features an astonishing ensemble cast that includes Adam Scott, Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate, and Greg Violand. This heartwarming, comedic and insightful film takes us on an intricate journey of love, competition, and self-discovery while managing to portray the complex relationship between siblings, the societal pressure of perfection, and the challenges of dealing with disability.

The plot of My Blind Brother pivots around two brothers, Bill, portrayed by Nick Kroll, and his blind, athletic and supremely confident brother, Robbie, played by Adam Scott. Although both characters are complete opposites ideologically and personality-wise, they share a certain level of dependency. Bill has lived his life in the shadow of his seemingly perfect, albeit blind, brother Robbie and has assumed the role of his constant help and guidance, despite harboring a simmering resentment for the favored son.

On the other hand, Robbie, despite being blind, strives to be a conventional hero, devoting himself to a rigorous regimen of athletic pursuits and charitable endeavors. His relentless pursuit of being recognized as a hero often leads to him oblivious of the feelings and sentiments of others, particularly the feelings of his brother Bill.

Drawing a stark contrast between the brothers, Robbie is admired and doted on by everyone because of his zest for life despite his disability. Bill, however, doesn't get the same level of admiration or recognition, always reduced to Robbie's less impressive, aimless younger brother, a role Bill plays with a mix of resignation and resentful sarcasm.

The story takes a pivotal turn when both brothers fall for the same woman, Rose, portrayed by the incredible Jenny Slate. Rose is eventful and complicated, offering a whole new perspective on the brothers' relationship and shaking up their zero-sum game mentality. As the romantic triangle between the brothers and the woman they both love ensues, the plot gears towards an upheaval of emotions, secrets, and self-awareness that unravels the deeper layers of their shared history.

Goodhart's direction effectively balances the comedy and the drama in My Blind Brother. With the subject of disability at its core, the film successfully manages to avoid the 'supercrip' or 'inspiration porn' stereotypes and isn't afraid to portray Robbie as flawed and, at times, insensitive.

Adam Scott, as Robbie, delivers an outstanding performance as the ambitious, yet absurdly insensitive blind brother, proving his knack for character complexities. Meanwhile, Nick Kroll, as Bill, provides a robust portrayal of the overlooked and overshadowed sibling with a compelling mix of humor, melancholy, wit, and a tinge of resentment. His comedic background provides for some genuinely light-hearted moments amidst the film's otherwise dramatic undercurrent. And, of course, the addition of Jenny Slate to the cast brings about a refreshing character who is troubled, empathetic, and relatable in her own unique way.

Aside from the exemplary performances by the cast, the movie’s humor is also cleverly extracted from the characters that are so beautifully flawed yet uniquely human. More than just a traditional comedy, the subtle infusion of drama and romance makes it a candid exploration of familial relationships, love complications, and personal growth.

On the whole, My Blind Brother presents a fascinating narrative that insightfully explores sibling rivalry, the struggle for identity, and the endless pursuit of love. It’s a movie that demonstrates that true heroism isn't determined by physical prowess but by one's ability to understand and empathize with others. Although it’s filled with humor, the movie also delves into deeper emotional scenes that give heart to the story. It's a heartwarming film with just the right blend of comedy, drama, and romance. If you’re seeking a movie with delightful humor, genuinely compelling characters, and a multilayered, thought-provoking storyline, then My Blind Brother would be an excellent pick.