Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love

Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love is a poignant 1979 NBC television film directed by Glenn Jordan with a powerful screen adaptation by Stephen Kandel and Samahria Lyte Kaufman. The film features an immersive performance by James Farentino and Kathryn Harrold, with Stephen Elliott, Henry Olek, and Michael Adams rounding out the capable cast. The critically acclaimed two-hour movie paints an unforgettable portrait of unflinching courage, relentless determination, and the unwavering belief in human potential.

The movie brings to light the real-life story of the Kaufman family and their child Raun, who was diagnosed with severe autism as a toddler. This heart-touching portrayal begins with Barry Neil Kaufman (James Farentino) and his wife Suzi (Kathryn Harrold) coming to terms with the harsh reality that their son's condition comes with a lifelong sentence and no known cure. Top medical professionals and specialists, including psychiatrist Dr. Michael Rhineman (Stephen Elliot), provide a bleak outlook, counseling the Kaufmans to institutionalize Raun due to his perceived inability to lead a normal life.

Yet, in a bold demonstration of hope and faith, the Kaufmans refuse to surrender to the prognosis. Instead, they choose to go with their instinct, their love for their son, and their belief that the untapped capabilities of their child can emerge. They reject the cold, distant, and clinical approaches suggested by professionals. They conceive and implement the Son-Rise program designed to connect with Raun in his isolated world, working tirelessly with him in a controlled environment known as the "playroom".

Unlike traditional methods, Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love offers a gentle, compassionate, and accepting treatment inspired by similarities between Raun's self-stimulatory behaviors and those around. The movie charts a hopeful journey while addressing the subtleties, complexities, challenges, and triumphs of relating with children with autism. It exposes the human capacity to connect, break barriers, and shift perceptions of 'normal' in a world conditioned to set limits.

James Farentino, as Barry Neil Kaufman, puts on a brilliant performance touching on a wide range of emotions. His portrayal of a caring father who refuses to give up on his child, despite societal pressure and the inherent difficulty of the situation, is truly moving. Kathryn Harrold delivers an equally compelling performance as the dedicated mother, Suzi, and together they form a formidable team that permeates the screen with their resolute determination and unwavering faith.

Stephen Elliot also shines in his portrayal of Dr. Michael Rhineman, the pragmatic and skeptical psychiatrist who gradually shifts his views as he witnesses Raun's progress. The film uses his character to reflect society's tendency to rely on established norms and medical statistics, challenging the audience to widen their perspective and embrace possibilities outside conventional wisdom.

Moreover, the movie's success lies in treating the subject of autism with due respect. It neither romanticizes nor simplifies Raun's condition. Instead, it gives us a peek into the day-to-day lives and struggles of families living with autism, the highs and lows, the testing and rewarding moments, thereby creating an emotional connection with the audience.

The film doesn't shy away from addressing the strains that such challenges put on a family unit. It lets the audience feel the doubts, the exhaustion, the despair, and the frustrations faced by the Kaufmans. Yet it also imparts a message of hope, courage, and the transformative power of unyielding love. It shows how a cohesive and dedicated family can overcome the inevitable tensions, disappointments, and hurdles in their pursuit of achieving the seemingly impossible.

Evocatively filmed with a straightforward narrative style, Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love draws you in from the start and keeps you engaged throughout. It's a touching drama that astounds the audience with the human spirit's resilience and the profound impact of unconditional love. While it accurately triangulates between hope, heartache, and miracle, the film remains a heartrending testament to the extraordinary lengths parents can go to help their children, making it an absolute must-watch for its timeless message of love, hope, and acceptance.