Review by John Delia
Heartfelt, inspiring and compelling the documentary Life, Animated takes you into the world of Autism in a positive way. Not to be missed, this amazing production involves relationships as you have never experienced unless you are a parent, psychologist, or a member of the medical field directly associated with children with this unusual affliction. It’s so touching and emotional that the film should bring tears of joy from this rare coming-of-age story.
Starting at the age of three Owen Suskind stopped talking, instead he made uttering sounds that were meaningless. In addition he wouldn’t sleep and his motor skills started to deteriorate. What made matters worse. he lost his ability to understand what others were asking him or trying to relay. All the boy would do was watch Disney movies.
Parents Ron and Cornelia were devastated and perplexed not knowing what had happened to their beautiful boy. Their pediatrician couldn’t give a reason why all of a sudden the boy changed for the worse dramatically from a perfectly healthy growing child that had all his functions. Visits to specialists finally came up with a diagnosis called Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Autism. Then came the shocker, “some kids never get their speech backâ€. More information that the child has become overstimulated and the outside world is too intense for his brain.
Noticing that Owen liked to watch Disney movies that made him happy, Ron Suskind encourages the boy to continue. One day while they were watching The Little Mermaid together things started to change. This is the story of how a father who would not give up on his son found a way to communicate and change his son’s life for the good.
The filming of the formative years of Owen’s life is excellent and Director Roger Ross Williams gets a lot of footage for all to see. Right up to the last touching scene we see the progression of what once was a losing battle to a winning in the life of Owen. I am amazed at the non-rehearsed scenes, the extensive heartfelt close-ups and the special moments that are caught on film that makes Life, Animated the amazing film that should be seen by all.
After watching the transition that takes place in Life, Animated, it’s an opportunity to compare what you originally thought about the boy or girl, man or woman who has been impaired by an affliction like Autism (autistic spectrum disorder), Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy (CP) or other debilitating condition. Next time you greet someone treat that person with respect whether incapacitated or like yourself physically whole. Say hello like you mean it and goodbye like you just left your best friend.
Life, Animated has been rated PG for thematic elements, and language including a suggestive reference. Check local listings for a theater near year.  While it is opening in most cities, the film may not be to yours as yet. Do not miss this film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An inspiring documentary that’s not self-pitying or maudlin, it’s just for real. (A)
Additional Film Information:
Subjects: Ron Suskind, Owen Suskind, Cornelia Suskind
Directed By: Roger Ross Williams
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, and language including a suggestive reference
Running Time: 1 hr. 31 min.
Release Date: September 2, 2016
Distributed by: The Orchard