Daruma

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!

I saw this at The Miracle Theater in DC and I LOVED it! It's a quiet movie about a man trying to let go of the past and become the person he was meant to be. I loved the symbolism of the Daruma doll in the movie - it was very subtle and the move I think about the movie, the more layers and nuances I begin to uncover. There's a lot of layers to unpack in the film and it was really surprising how by the end of the movie, you completely forget about the disability at all. You're just looking at two normal people who are going through the human experience and trying and learning and picking themselves back up again! Very good and highly recommend!

Uniformly excellent performances as the charm of a young child helps an angry, disabled man find redemption. The story arc is rather predictable, though it is very well written. One problem (which would be insignificant for many viewers, but as a frequent cross-country traveler, kept interrupting my engagement with the film) is that the time-sensitive cross-country trip from Arizona/Southern California to Providence, RI is shown to progress primarily on "back roads" -- this approach versus taking interstate highways makes for some very beautiful scenic shots, but the unrealistic nature of this, as well as some seemingly inconsistent topographical continuity, kept throwing me out of the film's believability.

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.

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.