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The Boy Who Could Fly

Name: The Boy Who Could Fly
Director: Nick Castle
Released: 1986
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1986

Director

Nick Castle

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out for its nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence, presenting Eric's condition as a source of strength rather than a limitation. However, the narrative lacks diversity, focusing on a homogeneous social environment typical of the 1980s. The film avoids aggressive masculinity but does not challenge traditional gender roles or include LGBTQ+ representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Boy Who Could Fly have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The social and romantic dynamics follow traditional 1980s family movie conventions.

How does The Boy Who Could Fly portray gender?

Fair

Milly demonstrates significant emotional intelligence, but the narrative focuses primarily on the male sibling relationship. While the film avoids aggressive masculine hierarchies, it does not actively challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Boy Who Could Fly?

Limited

The setting portrays a homogeneous social environment typical of mid-1980s small-town America. There is a lack of racial or ethnic diversity among the main characters.

How does The Boy Who Could Fly represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story examines social outsiders and the reality of grief within a family unit. It does not explicitly critique Western institutions or systemic power structures.

Does The Boy Who Could Fly include disability representation?

Excellent

Eric's neurodivergence serves as the emotional core of the film, providing him with ability to act and autonomy. The film avoids common 'inspiration porn' clichés by treating his condition as a fundamental part of his identity.

Present on Screen

The film treats neurodivergence as a powerful identity rather than a limitation.
It offers a grounded, realistic exploration of grief and social outsiders.
Eric's neurodivergence is central to the story, giving him genuine ability to act.

Limited or Absent

The main cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a homogeneous social setting.
There are no LGBTQ+ characters or representations of non-straight relationships.
Traditional gender roles are maintained without active subversion or critique.

Official Synopsis

Milly and Louis, and their recently-widowed mom, Charlene, move to a new neighborhood. Once there, they all deal with a variety of personal problems, but Milly finds a friend in Eric, her autistic next door neighbor. Eric has a fascination with flight, and as the story progresses, he exerts an enthralling force of change on all those around him.

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