By Gavin Boyle
Former WWE superstar Al Snow revealed how his new movie LEARNING YOU reveals the realities of caring for someone with autism and the highs and lows that come with it.
“The main character, John Wells, and his son and the relationship and the outbursts and things that occur just naturally in these types of situations, they get pretty emotional, pretty intense,” Snow told Movieguide®. “And, you know, you need to realize that that is part of the story, but that is part of the experience that a lot of people deal with on a day-to-day basis.”
LEARNING YOU follows the story of a father who embarks on a Christmas road trip with his autistic son. Along the way, they meet an aspiring billionaire and help him connect with his own son who also has autism.
Related: LEARNING YOU Director Calls Movie a ‘Love Letter’ To Parents Of Kids With Autism
“We saw an opportunity to use a film to spread awareness for the parents and caregivers of children with autism and pair that with a tangible ministry,” director Tyler Sansom told Movieguide®.
Beyond simply shining a light on the realities of living with autism, those working on the movie also plan to donate 100% of their proceeds towards autism research and support.
“The producers of this movie, I think it was, it was definitely not just a mission to tell a great story and to have a film that, you know, people can enjoy, it was a vehicle to reach out and to help those families that are dealing with these challenges,” Snow explained. “And to that point, they’re literally putting their money where their mouth is, where a hundred percent of the revenue from the movie goes to the families that are dealing with autism.”
LEARNING YOU joins a growing list of recent movies that shine a light on the trials of those living with disabilities. In 2024, for example, Disney released OUT OF MY MIND, a movie highlighting a girl living with cerebral palsy who has to fight to prove she is worthy of the same dignity and respect as any of her peers. A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
OUT OF MY MIND is a wonderful reminder of the way that God has placed worth into every human, even when society sees people as incapable. The story also highlights the importance of a strong family and the way that we can achieve great things when we’re encouraged and strengthened by those around us. OUT OF MY MIND features multiple prayers and positive references to God. There’s an intense scene, however, of a car hitting a little girl, but nothing’s shown and the girl’s okay.
It is encouraging to see how movies are being used to not only entertain but also educate and encourage audiences who see their struggles reflected on the big screen. LEARNING YOU will have a limited theatrical release starting Jan. 16.
Read Next: How THE CHOSEN Promotes Autism Awareness
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