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Flying Lessons

Play trailer 1:35 Poster for Flying Lessons 2023 1h 24m Comedy Drama LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Two estranged adopted sisters are forced together by their mother's sudden death: Beatrice, an autistic Chinese high school senior who wants to learn to fly, and Talia, a queer black musician who never wanted custody of Beatrice in the first place. Starring the autistic actress the story is based on, the film blurs narrative and documentary styles and showcases a unique and underrepresented perspective on death and grief.

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Flying Lessons

Critics Reviews

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Vadim Rizov Filmmaker Magazine 05/31/2024
The film’s genre is neither “affable first-person Amerindie doc” nor “uber-formalist European hybrid poetry,” successfully occupying an understated spot in between. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Anna K @RT08894786 Jul 30 What a fascinating breathtaking view on the complexities of life, addiction, neurodivergence, love, complicated family dynamics and belonging in this world. I cannot believe the lead actress is autistic and could deliver such a heart wrenching mesmerizing performance. This is a very special film. With a very special story diving deep into neurodivergence in front of and behind the camera. With a lot of the film improvised. Such a cool movie! Highly recommend everyone see it! See more Piper S @RT77165035 12/22/2024 A touching film that skips the trap of a trite resolution. Through the eyes of Beatrice, played by the autistic actress the film is based on, and her ornery sister Talia, we navigate the complex and diverse experiences of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. Waldron & co. craft a darkly comedic tale of two sisters who find unexpected connection through the grief and rage over the loss of their adoptive mother. Both wishing to fly away on their own terms, the sisters foil one another and simultaneously strike a stark contrast with the lush Americana backdrop of fields and clouds. The bucolic-yet-stifling-small-town-vibe created by DP Daniel Alanis' composition and creative use of lighting (including the moon in one scene) allow the viewer to feel the otherness the sisters experience and ultimately bond over without a a heavy hand. The bond the two leads display is equally easeful and very funny. New-comer Julia Schanker delivers a witty and truthful performance of an autistic person as an autistic actress herself. See more Toni R @RT72616293 12/21/2024 Heartfelt storyline brought to life through authentic performances across the board. A must-watch. See more Sarah W @RT35303724 12/07/2024 Julia Schanker gives such an authentic autistic performance, it's absolutely beautiful to see. See more Read all reviews
Flying Lessons

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Movie Info

Synopsis Two estranged adopted sisters are forced together by their mother's sudden death: Beatrice, an autistic Chinese high school senior who wants to learn to fly, and Talia, a queer black musician who never wanted custody of Beatrice in the first place. Starring the autistic actress the story is based on, the film blurs narrative and documentary styles and showcases a unique and underrepresented perspective on death and grief.
Director
Sarah G. Waldron
Producer
Danielle Cooper, Sarah G. Waldron
Screenwriter
Julia Schanker, Sarah G. Waldron, Shayvawn Webster
Distributor
BayView Entertainment
Production Co
Scooter Films
Genre
Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 8, 2024
Runtime
1h 24m
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