Ezra
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Father-son autism dramedy has humor, heart, strong language.
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Ezra
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Based on 4 parent reviews
Ezra
What's the Story?
Stand-up comedian Max (Bobby Cannavale) struggles to co-parent his autistic son, EZRA (William A. Fitzgerald), with his ex-wife, Jenna (Rose Byrne). When the going gets tough, Max and Ezra decide to take a cross-country trip that changes their lives forever.
Is It Any Good?
Director Tony Goldwyn's dramedy is likely to spark viewers' empathy, educate and entrance them, and then leave them reeling when they realize exactly who they're rooting for. Ezra's opening scene is an attention grabber—Max is on stage, cracking jokes about the reality of having an autistic child—and, thanks to a solid script and strong cast, it never lets go. We're in it, on the journey with Max and Ezra, law enforcement hot on their tail, and just as unsure as they are about how their cross-country trip will end.
With one in every 36 children diagnosed with autism, it's pretty shocking how few films include autistic characters (especially non-White ones, a disparity that Ezra doesn't correct). It's disappointing that Ezra treads a lot of the same path that Rain Man did way back in 1988, with both stories involving abducting and driving an autistic family member across the country for a self-serving purpose. But the destination is different in Ezra. Both Max and Ezra are learning when and how to use self-control—and that loving someone can mean ceding control, even if it hurts a little. Additional positive representation of autistic characters is needed in entertainment, and the well-made, well-acted, and well-informed Ezra is a worthy addition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Max's lack of self-control in Ezra and how it prevents him from achieving his goals. Why is self-control an important life skill? How is Ezra's lack of self-control different from Max's?
How does Ezra compare with other movies and TV shows that depict characters with autism? What insights did you gather about neurodivergence? Why is representation important?
Are drinking, smoking, and/or drug use glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences? Why is that important?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 31, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: June 25, 2024
- Cast: Bobby Cannavale , Robert De Niro , Rose Byrne
- Director: Tony Goldwyn
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors, Female actors
- Studio: Bleecker Street
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language, some sexual references and drug use
- Last updated: June 24, 2024
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