HANDSOME is a documentary that follows two brothers, Nick & Alex, as they embark on a worldwide journey to discover what life is like for other siblings living with Down’s Syndrome. From Cornwall to New York, to Vietnam and Mumbai, they encounter families from different cultural backgrounds who each have their own outlook on living with disabilities. Along the way, with joy, laughter, and the day-to-day challenges they face, they learn more about their own relationship and the special bond they have with one another.
This documentary is both thought-provoking and emotional as we follow Nick and his brother Alex, who has down syndrome, as they travel to different countries meeting other people who also have a sibling with down syndrome to swap stories of their lives and experiences.
The relationship and bond these brothers have is incredible and it really does bring to light the challenges surrounding people with down syndrome and their families.
The fact that some places still treat genetic disorders as a curse in the 21st century is really surprising.
As we follow Nick on his journey of discovery we also get to see Alex improving in his own learning and experiences of the journey.
Nick is so brave to bring us into his world as are the people he encounters who took part in this project.
It really is hard-hitting, emotional and really interesting to learn the challenges faced by these people as they go about their ordinary lives.
We all know that back in the day they used to have asylums for people that were classed as “unfit for society” but I was really surprised to learn that these still exist in some places in the world now.
Their journey takes us around the world to 4 different countries and meeting four different siblings, each with their own experiences to share.
As we explore we learn that those with down syndrome are actually no different from anyone else, in fact it is us who could be “not normal”.
The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place but these amazing families and people do their best to fit in when they really shouldn’t have to.
The emotion, heartache and experiences featured in this documentary really do make us appreciate what we have and things can always be worse.
This documentary and brave people sharing their stories really made me think and brought some emotions to light that I was not expecting.
It really is worth a viewing and will change the views of those who watch it. Well done to everyone involved with this production.
One of the best documentaries I have watched in some time and I wish Nick and Alex all the very best for the future wherever it may take them.
Handsome, a Boxclever Media Production. Directed by Luke White. Director of Photography Ed White. Produced by Luke & Ed White. Distributed by Republic Film Distribution. World Premiere at the 2021 Glasgow Film Festival.
HANDSOME releases On Demand now. Available on all major digital platforms including iTunes, Sky Store, Virgin Media, Google Play, YouTube, Rakuten.
Though-provoking and emotional
Movie title: Handsome (2021)
Movie description: Two brothers embark on a worldwide journey to discover what it's like for other siblings living with Down's syndrome.
Date published: August 30, 2021
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 38min
Director(s): Luke White
Actor(s): Alexander Bourne, Nicholas Bourne, Amber Maillard
Genre: Documentary
Will Tomlinson-Roberts is a film and movie enthusiast with an interest in all genres of movies. He is also interested in music of all types and attends comic-cons around the country.
