Flying Lessons

Through the eyes of Beatrice, played by the autistic actress the film is based on, and her ornery sister Talia, we navigate the complex and diverse experiences of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. Waldron & co. Craft a darkly comedic tale of two sisters who find unexpected connection through the grief and rage over their their adoptive mother's death. Both wishing to fly away on their own terms, the sisters foil one another and simultaneously strike a stark contrast with the lush Americana backdrop of fields and clouds. The bucolic-yet-stifling-small-town-vibe created by DP Daniel Alanis' composition and creative use of lighting (including the moon in one scene) refreshingly allow the viewer to feel the otherness the sisters experience and ultimately bond over without being heavy handed. The bond the two leads display is equally easeful and very funny. New-comer Julia Schanker delivers a witty and truthful performance of an autistic person as an autistic actress herself.

What a touching and moving film! Flying Lessons really tugs at your heartstrings. The two leads work so beautifully together but Julia steals the show! She is incredible. Tackling difficult subject matters of grief, inheriting the role of caretaker abruptly, and family dynamics this movie delicately allows the audience to follow Shayvawn Webster's journey. You watch her character go through the process of grief for her mother and grief for the life she can no longer live. You can tell that this movie was made with such love and care. I loved watching this film and can't wait for it to reach a larger audience.

I have never seen a movie like this before. The relationship between the sisters is so genuine, it was almost like watching a documentary, in the best way. The main character Beatrice is so charming and captivating - and I have never seen an actress quite like her before. She has such an incredibly authentic way of being on camera, that it's the most real portrayal of autism I've ever seen - because, of course, she is actually autistic. And hilarious, and weird, and wise, and relatable. In the theater at the Chelsea Film Festival premiere, everyone around me was laughing and crying, completely drawn in. I highly recommend going to see this movie with an audience - it will surprise you.