Ezra Movie Review

“Ezra” is a beautiful story, a multigenerational drama with three males realizing they have developmental disabilities. They help one another navigate their issues, as well as their own restrictive patterns. The first two are Stan (Robert De Niro) and his son Max (Bobby Cannavale). Their problems are hardly noticeable, with Max being worse than Stan. The situation is then worse for Ezra.

The film is dark and very heavy at times but well told. Definitely one to see.

Max, a stand-up comedian, has a son named Ezra, played incredibly well by young autistic actor William A. Fitzgerald. Ezra’s autism is severe enough not to allow his parents to touch him, which is very difficult for them, but they’ve learned ways of getting through to him, such as touching his earlobes. Max is very protective of Ezra, who is brilliant but also a spontaneous youngster, which has gotten him into trouble at public school. He has created troubles often enough that the principal has decided to expel him. Ezra’s mother, Jenna (Rose Byrne), and Max have been trying to keep their son in public school, believing that a normal school will make him a more average person as he ages. However, Jenna and Max, who are no longer married, finally disagree on what’s best. Jenna sees putting him in a new special needs school as an opportunity, but Max sees their desire to drug his child as a dangerous situation he needs to get Max away from… so he does.

On his way to drive across the country to do a set on Jimmy Kimmel, he takes with him his son in the middle of the night. Jenna is unaware of Max’s intentions. The next day she notices his son is gone. This happens after a situation where Ezra is hurt which makes things worse for Max. Jenna takes a while before she goes to CPS, but when she does, they issue an Amber Alert.

The movie gets much deeper during their trip together. Screenwriter Tony Spiridakis has a son who’s autistic, so the dialogue and detail in the story are carefully exposed. Max speaks with his father of his rage. Stan, knowing of what he speaks, gives him advice on what to do with it. Exquisitely, the story unravels with Ezra growing, touching things he wouldn’t before and allowing touch in the way of hugs. These moments are incredibly touching, even though they’re followed by “You can go now.” You’ll love this story and how it unfolds. Cannavale and Fitzgerald are engaging and delightful with one another. I can’t imagine this working without these two actors having been the stars.

In theatres nationwide on Friday, May 31st, including in the below area theatres:

Harkins Norterra 14
Christown 14
Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18
Scottsdale 101- 14
Tempe Marketplace 16
Superstition Springs 25
Harkins Chandler Fashion Center 20
Harkins Queen Creek 14
San Tan Village 16
Flagstaff 16
Prescott Valley Luxury 14
Harkins Estrella Falls 16
Roadhouse Cinema Scottsdale 11
AMC Desert Ridge 18
Westgate 20
Deer Valley 17
Ahwatukee 24