Filmmaker Matt Fuller's sensitive documentary examines three individuals on the autism spectrum and their approaches (or lack of) to romantic relationships. St. Paul-based Stephen was in a 20-year marriage with a more outgoing autistic woman, Gita; now she is suffering from terminal cancer, and—as Stephen watches game shows with his elderly parents—it is somewhat uncertain how much he relates to his impending loss. In Los Angeles, jobless, sports-trivia-spouting Lenny has only vague and largely inappropriate contact with the opposite sex. He is so lonely that, at one point during a breakdown, the film crew weeps along with him. Virginia-based Lindsay and Dave (a scientist)—cohabiting for eight years—are so high-functioning that it is difficult to imagine either one as disabled (Dave even asks that the camera not intrude on their more intimate moments, making him more sensible than many so-called normal interviewees). But Lindsay is uneasy over Dave's longstanding refusal to commit to a formal engagement. No white lab-coated experts are on hand here to preside over the dramas (although parents seemingly parrot the words of doctors). The sweet but decidedly fuzzy lesson is that autistic adults can form permanent domestic partnerships—except for those who can't. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)
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