Ezra

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)

In Ezra, we meet a spirited autistic 11-year-old (William A. Fitzgerald) and his parents, Max (Cannavale) and Jenna (Byrne). Though they’re divorced and have clashing ideas on what’s best for their son, Max and Jenna love Ezra with all their hearts. When Ezra’s autism causes him to get into trouble, a series of restrictions are placed on him that his father Max deeply dislikes. But when a career opportunity arises in Los Angeles, he kidnaps Ezra for a cross-country adventure that changes everyone’s lives.

This film starts off loud, abrasive and prickly, and much of the film's plot could easily be resolved if people just settled down, listened and had a mature conversation. Instead, emotional decisions, made in the heat of the moment, lead to a fugitive road trip that the heart is in the right place, even if the actions taken may be questionable. William A. Fitzgerald is fantastic, showing that autism isn’t a stumbling block to being charismatic and engaging. The loud brashness of Cannavale and De Niro may be off-putting. Still, the quiet heart-to-heart that eventually happens is incredibly cathartic. And Rose Byrne’s flustered overprotective mother may wear thin at moments, but again is well-intentioned. Unfortunately, despite the strong performances, the plot threads that interweave feel messy, and plenty of threads are left hanging, which may leave the audience feeling somewhat dissatisfied or confused. Whilst drawn from the experiences of screenwriter Tony Spiridakis and directed sensitively by actor Tony Goldwyn, who also plays a minor role, the film falters when it focusses elsewhere than on Ezra and his story. Ultimately, while slightly dysfunctional and the narrative messy, it’s very well-intentioned, and the film's heart is in the right place, so it mostly sticks the landing aided by its strong performances.

Reel Dialogue: The love of a parent

Ezra is a deeply familial and intergenerational film that fearlessly delves into the dysfunctional dynamics that many families experience. From heated arguments to blame games, the film portrays the prickly moments of family life. Yet, it also beautifully captures parents' profound love and care for their children. Max and Jenna's passion is a testament to their love for Ezra. However, when emotions are not properly expressed, they can erupt in messy and damaging ways.

The Bible is filled with advice for parents on how to love and teach their children and how children, in return, are to love and listen to theirs. It also features the most important father, God, who loved His children so much that He sent His Son to save them from their sins. The father's heart of God is at the very core of the Gospel, demonstrating how deeply He loves and cares. Have you felt the Father's heart of God love you?

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

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