A Brilliant Young Mind

Morgan Matthews uses the International Mathematical Olympiad, which he had previously covered in a documentary, as background for his first fiction feature film, which is centered on Nathan, a British boy who is diagnosed as autistic. Despite his flair for math, Nathan struggles to achieve any sort of normal socialization after his loving, supportive father dies in an auto accident. Nathan's mother (Sally Hawkins) enlists the help of a teacher at the local school (Rafe Spall)—a former IMO prodigy who suffers from multiple sclerosis—to serve as Nathan's mentor. Under his tutelage, Nathan grows into a still-skittish teen (now played by Asa Butterfield) who becomes a candidate for the British math team. At the preliminaries in Taiwan, where he falls under the stern discipline of a colorful coach (Eddie Marsan), Nathan haltingly emerges out of his shell, especially thanks to a budding relationship with a vivaciously friendly Chinese team member, which continues after the two win spots at the finals back in England. But here Nathan will be forced to make a life-changing choice. While somewhat pat and predictable, A Brilliant Young Mind nevertheless has sufficient quirks to compensate for its tortured genius formula story, and the expert cast helps to paper over the clichés. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)