The Horse Boy

The Horse Boy is a heartwarming film directed in 2009 by Michel Orion Scott. This powerful documentary is rooted in the true-life journey of a couple who are on a determined quest to help their son, Rowan. Based on Rupert Isaacson's book "The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son," the film follows the journey of Isaacson and his wife, psychologist Kristin Neff, as they navigate the challenging world of parenting a child with autism.

From the opening scenes, the movie centers around the young boy Rowan Isaacson, whose days are dominated by uncontrollable tantrums and a loss of connection from the physical world. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Rowan struggles to communicate and interact with his parents and others around him, causing significant concern and heartbreak for his parents, Rupert and Kristin. They ponder the bleak future laid out for them, a life incapacitated by the heart-rending reality of their son's condition, and the limited options to guide him towards a better life.

However, the film takes a dramatic turn as the parents discover their son's uncanny ability to connect with animals, specifically a normally unapproachable horse in their neighbor's farm named Betsy. This surprising revelation becomes a beacon of hope, leading Rupert and Kristin to explore alternative healing methods that incorporate Rowan's newfound connection with horses.

Forged by the belief that horse therapy might assist Rowan and desperate for any sign of progress, they embark on an ambitious and adventurous healing expedition to the remote steppes of Mongolia. This destination is not randomly chosen, as Mongolia is considered as the spiritual homeland of horse culture, where horses are held in high esteem and they coexist with ancient shamanistic practices. Rupert, a former horse trainer and lifelong adventurer, fervently believes that this unique overlap could unlock a door to Rowan's affliction.

The film seamlessly chronicles their arduous journey from Texas to the Mongolian wilderness, facing rugged terrains, unpredictable weather, and an unfamiliar culture. The Isaacson family's expedition not only navigates the physical landscapes of the world but also the tumultuous road of parenting a child with special needs.

The Horse Boy offers no pretense or predictable solutions for what is a highly complex and misunderstood condition. It engages viewers from the start, pulling them into the unique world that Rowan and his parents must navigate. The movie strikes a delicate balance between the intimate portrayal of a family dealing with autism and the grand undertaking of their adventurous journey.

The cinematography is beautiful and well-executed, capturing the nuanced interactions between Rowan and the world around him. The expansive spaces and exotic landscapes of Mongolia have been superbly captured, giving a visual treat to viewers. Simultaneously, the close-ups of Rowan's interactions reveal the intimate challenges and victories in dealing with autism.

Rupert and Kristin reveal their vulnerability, strength, commitment, and unconditional love for their child on screen, genuinely drawing the audience into their lives and struggles. They serve as powerful symbols of parental perseverance, underlining the lengths parents are willing to go to for the wellbeing of their children.

Nonetheless, The Horse Boy is not just a story about autism – it's about adventure, the human-animal connection, perseverance, parental love, and going beyond the conventional to seek healing and understanding. It implores us to consider alternative perspectives in healing, bringing attention to the complementary nature of Eastern and Western practices.

This movie certainly leaves a lasting impression, establishing a resonating narrative that lingers with the audience long after the credits roll. The Horse Boy is a fascinating exploration of the power of love and determination while maintaining a deep respect for its subject matter. It's a film that compels us to be open to every possibility, even in the face of adversity.

Despite the subject matter, The Horse Boy manages to be uplifting and inspirational without oversimplifying or exploiting the challenges associated with autism. It's a poignant and unforgettable film - a mesmerizing and enlightening journey that is as much about understanding autism as it is about comprehending the human spirit and the lengths it will go for love. For anyone seeking a deep, thoughtful, and heart-touching film, The Horse Boy is a must-watch.