It is no secret that film is very much lacking in diversity. Disability representation is limited, and accurate disability representation is even more so. However, accurate representation for black autistic folks is quite literally non-existent. That’s why In A Beat, a new film premiering on 10th July 2020, is vitally important for our community.
In A Beat, the directorial debut from Natasha Mynhier, is a stunning film following a young, black, autistic boy, and his experience being home alone for the first time and his unique way of coping with a meltdown. The film stars Cameron Elie as eleven-year-old Darrel Smith and his single mother, Angela Smith, played by Emmy nominated choreographer and international tap star, Chloe Arnold. Darrel, like most eleven-year-olds, longs for his independence and when a once in a lifetime opportunity comes his mothers’ way, he convinces her to let him stay home alone for the first time. However, when unpredicted circumstances arise, Darrel must rely on himself to self-soothe during a meltdown.
I was lucky enough to watch the film before it’s release on July 10 and I was absolutely blown away by the accurate representation In A Beat shows. Films about disability, usually seem to come across as inspirational. Filmmakers take a disabled story and write it to pull on the heartstrings of a non-disabled audience, with little regard for the fact they may be portraying harmful or negative stereotypes and ideologies.
However, In A Beat is finally a film that doesn’t do that. Mynhier has written and directed a film with such accurate representation, it almost feels too good to be true.
Last week, I had the pleasure to meet Natasha Mynhier through a Zoom call and talk to her about the film, her writing process, the importance of representation, and how she made the film for the Autism Community, above anyone else.
After talking to Mynhier, it is obvious why the film is so spot-on in representing a black, autistic boy’s experience. Mynhier based In A Beat, directly off her cousin’s first experience of self-soothing. Mynhier’s cousin, wanting to remain anonymous, and his mother, were heavily involved in the writing process and were often present at the time of shooting the film.
Their input played a key role in making the film what it is and shows us, as a community, and as an audience, that when you consult real disabled people when making your art, it pays off. Mynhier, instead of creating a heartfelt but inaccurate film depicting a child’s autism experience, has created a masterpiece full of moments that are sure to hit close to home for disabled people and their parents alike.
Not only did Mynhier work with her own relatives with experience of autism and sensory processing disorder, she also consulted many members of the #ActuallyAutistic community. She told me during our interview that, although it felt important to her to represent her cousin, the greater representation and wider audience the film was going to reach, was also vitally important for her. Her aim with In A Beat was to make a greater impact and to “create a memorable and moving portrayal” through the underrepresented lens of a black family.
As I was watching the film, something that stood out to me the most, as a disabled person, was Darrel’s relationship with his mother, Angela. As a child, I simultaneously longed for and feared independence, something my non-disabled peers had long before me. Darrel understands his mother is scared to leave him, but she wants to trust her son and give him that independence he is looking for. This running theme of fear, trust, and longing in regards to Darrel’s independence was something I didn’t even know I needed to see portrayed until I saw it. Mynhier manages to capture a feeling so niche and specific to many disabled people, and beautifully portray it on screen.
It was important for Mynhier to not portray the parents’ experience with raising an autistic child with the same narrative many others have used. Often, the parent is commended for “dealing” with an autistic child, and filmmakers make the story centered around how the parent is “coping” with their child’s autism. Whilst In A Beat doesn’t sugarcoat Angela’s experience as a mother with an autistic son, it also recognizes that her son’s autism is not something she needs to “deal with”. It is simply a part of him, his life, and their life as a family. They adapt to situations with humor and practicality, something I’m sure all disabled people can relate to.
Not only does the film do an amazing job of portraying a boy’s autistic experience, but it is also a genuinely enjoyable film! Chloe Arnold, a professional tap dancer, brings her passion and joy into her performance, immersing you into a world of tap you didn’t know you needed. The dance element of the film was inspired by Mynhier’s 20 years of dance experience, and the beauty of the art is referenced throughout. The specific use of tap was intentional, says Mynhier, as it creates an interesting juxtaposition. For someone with a Sensory Processing Disorder, loud tap dancing would be their idea of a nightmare. However, Darrel’s empathy is able to shine through as he embraces his mother’s passion and actively pushes her to pursue her dreams.
This film is such an important one, not only for the disability and autism communities but for the wider audience. It is vital that people start seeing themselves represented accurately and that false and negative stereotypes stop being portrayed. I thank Natasha Mynhier, Cameron Elie, Chloe Arnold and everyone who worked on this film, for creating such a beautiful piece of art, not just as a film enthusiast, but as a disabled person.
In A Beat premiers on 37 LAINES YouTube channel 10th July 2020 6pm PST and 9pm EST. There is also a sensory-friendly version available to viewers with Sensory Processing Disorder! If you enjoy the film and would like to support the filmmakers with the further promotion of In A Beat and help give them the ability to make more films like this one, please consider donating here!
