Ezra

 

     A different kind of "coming of age" drama, Ezra is the story of an autistic young boy who splits his time between his divorcing parents,  played by Rose Bryne as Jenna and Bobby Cannavale as Max.

      Ezra is played by William Fitzgerald, an autistic young actor who is terrific as he tries to navigate life between his parents and his loving grandfather, played by Robert DeNiro.

      When Max rebels against Jenna's idea to enroll Ezra in a "special school", he kidnaps his son and takes him on a cross country adventure. Along the way, they both learn life lessons and come out better for it.

      The film co-stars Vera Famiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Tony Goldwyn (who also directed).  Mr. Cannavale is wonderful as Max, a conflicted father who wants the best for his son but is also concerned about his career as a standup comedian. He hits every emotional note perfectly.

      The filmmakers went to great lengths to discuss every aspect of the film within the autistic community, including hiring autistic actors and crew and consultation on the script.