Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
Strong emotions, positive messages in the adaptation of the book.
Videos and photos
Based on 7 parent reviews
What is the story?
OUT OF MIND star Melody Brooks (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is a typical sixth grader interested in boys, shiny shoes and lip gloss. But she also cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. Her parents, Diane (Rosemarie DeWitt) and dad Chuck (Luke Kirby), recognize that she is more intelligent than her abilities let on. This begins to change when a researcher (Courtney Taylor) who studies how students with disabilities are treated in schools spends time with her and takes her into a regular sixth grade classroom. Despite an impatient teacher (Michael Chernus) and sneaky classmates, Melody thrives and climbs to the top of her class. Nevertheless, her parents have to advocate at every step for their daughter to get the opportunity to participate in life like any other child her age.
Is it good?
Rarely does an outsider children’s film hit so many notes, but the combination of excellent source material, a great script, and heart-wrenching performances make this film deeply moving. Based on the bestselling YA novel of the same name, Out of mind cleverly introduces the film’s main character Melody and allows us to see the world from her perspective. This is a neat trick because she can’t speak. Instead, we’re privy to her innermost thoughts, likes and dislikes thanks to a combination of voice-over narration (Jennifer Aniston’s distinctive voice) and pictures on Melody’s word board.
We also empathize with her frustration when others don’t listen (or hear). The constant resentment, low expectations, and unkindness that Melody experiences do not define her or determine her potential, but they are terribly heartbreaking to watch. When she stands up for herself, it can’t come soon enough, although the film does have to speed up events and her transformation after the arrival of the machine that allows her to “speak.” Newcomer Taylor plays Melody with great intelligence and personality, mostly through facial expressions. DeWitt and Kirby as her parents are full of raw emotion. Themes and messages are wrapped in an interesting story full of authentic characters, which make this film emotional and unforgettable.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can discuss how other children react to and treat Melody Out of mind. What do they learn about her and themselves during the film?
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If you’ve read the book this movie is based on, how does the movie compare? What’s different? Are you missing something?
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How does Melody show perseverance, both physical and mental, in this film? Did you agree with dr. The post when she said she’d scream in anger if she were Melody?
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What do Melody’s teacher and classmates learn about empathy from interacting with Melody? In what ways do they not show empathy earlier in the film?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children