PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Though we mainline horror here, I had the opportunity to screen Amber Leary’s Out of My Mind. A Disney+ Original?! I asked the same question at first. However, upon seeing the preview, it sounded interesting. So, I took the bait and chose to review this movie. It was nothing like I thought; instead, it’s an emotional roller coaster of sadness, anger, and laughter. I am honored to have the chance to see this movie. I won’t lie, even I shed a few tears. Although it’s not really our department on this site; Out Of My Mind hit me like a ton of bricks.
A Back Story
My cousin Nicky was physically handicapped, I instantly bonded with the movie just for that memory. Nicky was a strong soul, a fighter, and the kindest person I ever knew. We were raised together so I can call her my twin. We did absolutely everything together. She never let her handicap get in the way of brightening up everyone’s day just a bit. She had a smile that could melt the coldest heart. I dedicate this entire piece to Nicky.
Synopsis
Melody Brooks (Phoebe Rae Taylor; and voiced by Jennifer Aniston), is a bright student, and a warm soul. Melody soon meets Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) who comes up with a plan that will change Moldy’s life. She soon has the opprtunity to join “regular” school once a week. She is taken out of her special education class once a week and it starts out rough. However; Melody is a fighter who doesn’t want to be treated special. Melody also recieves a life changing machine that lets her speak her mind. She has plenty to say after being forced into silence by her body. We follow Melody through the good times, and the bad ones. She soon meets her first reluctant friend Rose (Mariah Nash) and she shows her bright side through almost everything.
I am beyond glad that I had the honor of screening Out Of My Mind. It reached right down into my soul and put a warm hand on my heart. So many barriers here, Phobe Rae Taylor is a hero and an inspiration, filling people with courage, especially families who have someone whose special needs. I reflected on this movie and how it healed me in such a great way. After watching this movie, I also have a lot more courage to face my mental illness.
The cast was excellent and pinned the right moods and settings. The Out Of My Mind cast broke barriers for me. The movie was set in 2002 and the soundtrack was perfect for each moment. Once in a while, we have those moments where we just want to give up. Out Of My Mind flips the table on giving up. Instead she keeps pushing to be treated as a “normal” kid, and she wants to enjoy everything. However; hearts can get broken by classmates, Melody is no different.
In The End
You almost want to be angry at the girl who promised her friendship and turned her back more than a few times. You want to understand how she feels too. The sense of embarrassment she shows was built for us to say how ugly Rose is inside due to her traumas. The movie has a very strong finish. I almost jumped out of my chair cheering. I would recommend this movie to anyone at all. It touched me in a glorious way inside.
Out Of My Mind will premiere on November 22nd on the Disney+ app
