Daruma

Daruma is a triumph of authentic storytelling. As a disabled woman, it's rare to see characters who reflect not just my experiences but my complexities, dreams, and flaws (and desires!!!!). This isn't a story about disability-it's a story about friendship, resilience, and confronting life's messy moments. The bond between Patrick and Robert is deeply human and emotionally raw, capturing the frustrations, humor, and beauty of their journey. Watching this film felt like being truly seen, not for my disability, but for the person I am beyond it. The performances are nuanced and magnetic, drawing you into a narrative that's as relatable as it is moving. Daruma doesn't preach; it connects. It's a film I'll carry with me, grateful for the way it made me laugh, cry, and, most importantly, feel seen.

If you're looking for a movie about family, fatherhood and FORGIVENESS ahead of the holiday season this is the movie for you. I cannot believe that this gem of a movie has flown under the radar for as long as it has but I heard about it through word of mouth (like most indie films!) and I am so glad I rented it. It's been recommended to me by a few people now and I don't usually post reviews but this is a really special film and it deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. It reminded me a lot of the early 2000s indie films like Little Miss Sunshine and captured that vibe of poignancy and optimism and maybe that is something we all need right now. The central theme of the movie is kindness - to be kind to yourself and to others. In addition to weaving really complex story lines, there is a gentleness to this film. It's like a warm hug and it will stay with you for days afterward as you think about all the little details and character quirks. Fantastic acting, amazing writing and directed incredibly well. This is the feel good film of the year. Do not miss it.

Don't miss this authentic movie. It's a refreshing change from others in the same genre - the cast is real, the story is touching, and the ending worked for me! It's nice to watch something so well made and that doesn't leave you wishing you had rented or bought something else instead. It's long enough to be an evening, but not overly so, and the scenery is great. I especially liked the scenes with the (very) young child, being a sentimental person myself. Touching but not cloying. I found myself alternating between disliking the main characters and really liking them alot! A milestone, breaking the stereotypes movie!

I loved this film. It is filled with heart and humor. The characters are grounded in reality and flawed - like all of us.

The story is raw and honest. We've all been through the dark night of the soul- and director Alexander Yellen captures lead character Patrick's (played beautifully by Tobias Forrest)deep existential crisis.

Kelli McNeil's writing is strong and funny, and the pace keeps the audience engaged.

One of my favorite parts of the film is how beautifully it is shot. The soundtrack is surprisingly vibrant and upbeat.

Finally, it is a film that addresses the complexities of family and life ALONG with inclusive messaging. People have disabilities. Some are invisible, and some are visible. I am not in a wheelchair. One of my dearest friends is in a wheelchair, and guess what-his life is as real, important, valid, passionate, and complex as mine.

Support independent art and see this beautifully shot and told story!

Fellow filmmaker here: I've been to a LOT of my friends' screenings over the years and seen a LOT of movies that felt like they just missed the mark. This is NOT one of those movies. The filmmakers did such an incredible job of not only storytelling but casting the film authentically and they did it in way that by the end of the movie you didn't even realize you were looking at disability on the screen. Like... what a hat trick! Not only were the performances fantastic by the two lead and the supporting cast (Barry Bostwick is all I have to say about that!) but the production quality was astounding. The camera work, the sound, the sets, the wardrobe, the continuity. It was all there. This is a real, studio level film but these filmmakers did something studios do not do: they make an authentically cast film and didn't center the disability and took a risk. And it paid off. In spades. And as a fellow filmmaker I have chime in that these kinds of films don't come around often. So if you want to see more representation on screen and want to see more diverse stories, then please RENT or BUY this film. Indie film is in such a hard spot right now and these filmmakers deserve every single dollar that they will earn back from the exhibition of this film. Don't miss it and please don't sleep on it. You won't regret it.