Aphasia is a thought-provoking independent film from 2014 that follows the story of a young woman named affected by a severe communication disorder. The movie is directed by a talented student filmmaker, plus written and performed by students from a creative arts university in the United States. The story begins by introducing Nico, the main protagonist played by Robin Rose Singer. Nico is a college student who has just graduated with a degree in creative writing. Although she is intelligent and creative, she suffers from a rare language disorder known as aphasia which makes it difficult for her to communicate with others. Her disorder begins to worsen as time goes on and she even experiences physical manifestations of her speech disorder such as vocal tics and seizures.
Throughout the movie, we see Nico struggle to come to terms with her disorder while also trying to pursue her career goals. She faces many challenges, including a professor who has little patience for her communication difficulties and a romantic interest (Frankie J. Alvarez) who cannot seem to understand her. Her parents are also a constant presence in her life, often reminding her of her condition and trying to seek treatment for her.
Despite the challenges, Nico remains determined to overcome her disorder and demonstrate her talent for creative writing. She regularly attends speech therapy sessions and actively participates in her writing classes. We see her slowly blossom as she develops her voice through writing and learns to communicate her innermost thoughts and feelings through the written word.
The movie's plot is quite simple but the storytelling is powerful. The film's strength lies in its ability to convey the frustration and isolation felt by those with communication disorders. It also highlights the importance of empathy and patience and encourages viewers to have a greater appreciation for the struggles faced by people with difficulties communicating.
The film's cinematography is also quite interesting as it explores Nico's jagged, zigzagging thought processes through disorienting camera angles and jump cuts. This results in a unique visual language that helps to better illustrate Nico's struggles.
The acting performances in Aphasia are also incredibly engaging. Robin Rose Singer’s portrayal of Nico is stunning and captures the essence of a person struggling with a communication disorder. Her performance is vulnerable, and it is clear that she has done her research on this disorder. Frankie J. Alvarez brings a level of humanity to his character, helping us to better understand the frustrations of people who try to communicate with those who have difficulty speaking. The supporting cast, which includes Erik Baker as a kind-hearted speech therapist, is also quite strong.
One of the strengths of Aphasia is that it is not preachy or didactic. The film allows viewers to experience Nico's struggles firsthand and encourages empathy and understanding rather than forcing an agenda. It is a poignant, thought-provoking film that explores the power of communication and the struggles of those who have difficulty speaking.
Overall, Aphasia is a well-crafted independent film that tells an important story about the struggles of individuals with communication disorders through powerful performances and storytelling. It highlights the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding for those facing such challenges.
