Daruma

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anonymous The acting was strong, and the storyline was quite original. The performance by Tobias Forrest was especially impressive. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Zander S What a joy. I had few expectations going in as indie films can be a mixed bag but this was a delightful road trip movie about a guy in a wheel chair who finds out he has a 4-year old daughter, realizes hes not parent material, and then needs his next door neighbor to help him drive her across the country to live with her grandparents. The neighbor happens to be a double amputee with hooks for hands. The disability thing is interesting since its not what the storys about. It just is. The film could easily stray into sappy territory but doesnt. The characters and their choices feel real, for lack of a better word. The fathers path to redemption is anything but straight and the neighbor has a some demons of his own to reckon with. Theres a love interest who overlooks some major red flags in search of companionship but then refuses to be a doormat. Without spoiling anything, everyone doesnt get a fairytale ending. Its a familiar-feeling story but it has enough moments that dont go as expected to keep it feeling fresh and interesting. That speaks to good writing. The directing is similarly solid with the story flowing smoothly and no potholes to jar me out of it. There are some really beautiful shots, the music choices are excellent, and the acting is strong all around. The little girl and the grandpa got me genuinely choked up a couple of times. Ive been pretty disappointed by the big Hollywood offerings in what I think we can all agree has been a pretty stressful year. Daruma is the ray of sunshine I didnt know I needed. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/20/24 Full Review Whitney W Daruma is a heartfelt comedy-drama that beautifully captures the bond between fathers and daughters while emphasizing the power of kindness and goodness. The standout performances by the two lead actors, both people with disabilities, bring authenticity and depth to characters who are simply people living their lives—an inspiring and refreshing perspective. As someone with a personal connection to disability, I found this portrayal deeply moving and relatable. With breathtaking cinematography and a beautifully written script, Daruma delivers a touching, memorable experience that celebrates humanity in its truest form. It’s a must-watch for anyone who values authentic storytelling. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Jason L Daruma was movie with such a rollercoaster of emotions. The film blends heart, humor, and some real tension in a way that feels effortless. There are some really touching moments that stay with you long after the credits roll. What really struck me was the balance of intensity and lightheartedness—it’s hard to pull that off, but this movie totally nails it. The visuals in the road trip scenes are stunning too. If you're looking for a movie that can make you laugh, cry, and shout within the same scene then Daruma is a must-watch. It’s definitely one of the standout films I've seen this year! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Andrew P Heartwarming story with a great cast! Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/21/24 Full Review Toby W DARUMA is a ground-breaking film in disability storytelling, representation and authentic casting. Indie film that will be worth your time to see in theater or via streaming on Apple TV (US and Canada) and Amazon (US). As the first film in US cinematic history to star two authentically cast disabled leads in a narrative not about overcoming disability, I loved DARUMA's story featuring bitter wheelchair user PATRICK (played by actor Tobias Forrest, a C-level quadraplegic) who enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (portrayed by actor John W. Larson with double amputation) to transport the four-year-old daughter he never knew he had to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country. I laughed. I cried. I was in awe, especially of the amazing cinematography. BRAVO to the talented cast -- Tobias Forrest; John W. Lawson; Abigail Hawk (of CBS Blue Bloods TV show); Barry Bostwick, and introducing Victoria Scott as Patrick's daughter. As a late-deafened board director and human being, it is honestly refreshing to see DARUMA that captures disability as part of the lead characters' lived human experience and not the center of the story where disability need to be overcome or pitied. Tired of the disability tropes and "inspiration porn" where disabled people are the object of inspiration. Blessed to have attended the Midwest Movie Premiere on November 15 on the Chicago North Shore where Hollywood came to Highland Park, IL at Wayfarer Theaters. It was most insightful to hear Director & Cinematographer ALEXANDER YELLEN, Writer-Producer Kelli McNeil-Yellen, and Actors Tobias Forrest, John Lawson and Abigail Hawk share their passion about this amazing film. For those moviegoers who want to see more disability films with authentic casting of disabled actors, please come see and buy-rent DARUMA. I encourage you to support this film. Metrics matter (tickets sold; downloads; positive reviews + press) for indie films like DARUMA to make it to more screens and audiences. Please support DARUMA. Highly recommend! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/21/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Daruma

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