The Drummer and the Keeper

I picked this small film to watch by myself on a whim, and I was very pleasantly surprised-- not by the script or filmmaking itself necessarily, but by how much I was charmed by and grew invested in the characters, and was very gladly pulled along for their tumultuous ride. When you hear the story which is about an unlikely friendship (and the surrounding trials/tribulations) between a drummer with bipolar and a young man institutionalized for Asperger's... you can probably guess how it goes. The plot is nothing too surprising, and a lot of the pacing of the movie is what I would call expected. However, I don't think this all detracts from the heart of the movie, which I felt was is in the relationship between the two main characters. Both actors do a wonderful job, and create really endearing and emotionally vulnerable characters. The payoff at the climax and end of it all feels really well deserved as a result.

I did feel that the portrayals and discussion of the disorders/syndromes themselves were a little lacking in depth, but I don't think I was expecting a groundbreakingly sensitive exploration. But it doesn't feel like a pity party or grotesque fetishization of mental illness, which I commend, as many movies throughout history about such topics do just that. Much of the weaker plot points stemmed from this lack of depth, however, so I recommend educating yourself on bipolar and Asperger's before or after watching so you can dispel lingering stereotypes and generalizations on your own (bipolar doesn't look the same for everyone, and neither does Asperger's or autism). The film to its credit does a great job in building the complex humanity of the characters, so they do not feel like walking tropes of their disorders. They felt real, very believable, and very relatable. In the end, the film tries its best with a limited budget and succeeds in the ways that ultimately matter most for the relationship and development of its characters. I'm not sure where else to watch it if you live outside of Ireland/Europe, but if you are on a long flight with a stopover in Dublin, give this movie a watch :)

A heartwarming and enjoyable tale, told well and clearly with love and tenderness with genuine comedy and heart. Well worth a watch.

I watched this with my son who has Asperger's. He loved it and felt that while characteristics needed to be exaggerated the film got it right. He connected with the characters on so my levels and we laughed and cried together while watching. My adpie boy feels thus should be compulsory viewing for all secondary school children. A wonderful, fun movie

This movie kept me spellbound, a difficult feat (believe me). Both of the main characters, one with bipolar and the other with Asperger's, were entirely credible, amazingly so, as was the (rocky) development of their friendship. Heartwarming, yes, but painful at times also. Good music too. But this is an Irish production and the accents are sometimes difficult to follow. While I stuck with it (and am very glad I did so), it would have been a relief to be able to turn on subtitles!

I loved this film when I saw it in the cinema and I loved it even more the 2nd time I saw it on DVD yesterday. The main part that really struck a chord with me was the friendship between the 2 boys and how it began, developed & progressed. What I really found relevant to me was thinking about what was at the core of their friendship and what that means. And, how these friendships can sometimes come from the most unlikely of places but it can be these unexpected (even unusual) friendships that are the ones that can have the most impact in our lives. It reminded me to be more open to these relationships/friendships & letting them develop. And I really believe that if a film can have that kind of impact on someone long after they have left the cinema, then they have done/created something amazing. I found it heartwarming, honest and very witty. I hope many many people get to see this lovely film.