Rafael, a solitary teenager grappling with OCD, finds himself at a crossroads when his overwhelmed mother insists on seeking professional help. She threatens to send him to a military school if he doesn’t. Confronted with this ultimatum, he reluctantly consents to attend a self-help group. There, he encounters a rather strange masked individual who claims to be a time traveler. Intrigued, Rafael begins to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic young man's assertions. Is he truly a visitor from the past, or could he be a mental patient who has escaped from an asylum? The mystery unravels as Rafael delves deeper into this peculiar encounter.
Nobody is Crazy is an Argentinian film focused on society’s treatment of people like Rafael: None of his behaviors are harmful, and his attempts to find support simply isolate him further. Despite this, his mother demands that he change himself to be ‘more normal,’ blaming him for a lack of effort. Even those who have different neurodivergences aside from OCD can easily identify with Rafael in his struggle for acceptance and autonomy. His loneliness and frustration with the world could also resonate with neurotypical teenagers, making this an excellent choice for Spanish language collections for teens and young adults.
Nobody is Crazy is pretty silly at times. There are a few corny moments that will leave some viewers in stitches. The film’s pacing often drags, making this a film for those who enjoy drama first and foremost: interpersonal conversations drive most of the plot. It can also be a little confusing at times because of the poor pacing. I often had to back up to clarify things that had been said before. Nobody is Crazy’s greatest strength is its view of neurodivergence as a sort of superpower:
All too often, the traits and quirks of neurodivergent people are talked about as negative or harmful. In Rafael’s case, it often only amounts to a compulsion to time things and wash his hands. His most negative trait is an issue with frustration and anger, yet this falls to the wayside in his mother’s numerous attempts to ‘fix’ him. Public librarians looking to expand their Spanish Language collections or collections featuring neurodiverse characters should consider this title most highly. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Nobody is Crazy belongs on drama and Spanish language shelves.
What type of college professor could use this title?
Nobody is Crazy would make for an excellent Spanish listening resource.