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 :)

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!

This Irish film is about a drummer (with Bipolar) who develops an unlikely friendship with a keeper (with Asperger's). The two leads delivered convincing performances and had excellent chemistry. The characters felt well developed and I found them believable.

Equal parts charming, depressive and heartwarming - I was engaged the whole time and rooting for each character to overcome their challenges. The film has a refreshing original vibe - even though some elements were predictable towards the end.

If you like Netflix's "Atypical" then you'll probably love this. Being a drummer myself, it added an extra layer of interest. "The Drummer and the Keeper" is an uplifting hidden gem that put a big smile on my face. Recommend!

I know it will be a film that stays with me for days.

I just love everything about this movie. Couldn't fault it. The story is so unique and it has been treated with such care and respect. Acting is brilliant with great soundtrack and directing. What is it about these Irish movies? Begosh and begorrah, they're a joy to watch.