Out of My Mind

Humane and good-humored, director Amber Sealey’s film Out of My Mind tells the story of sixth-grader Melody Brooks (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) as she begins to assert her independence. Melody has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal, and screenwriter Daniel Stiepleman’s thoughtful adaptation of Sharon M. Draper’s young adult novel makes clear that the adults in her life, from parents to teachers, are often far too comfortable ignoring her attempts to make herself known. Among the achievements of Out of My Mind is its centering difference while refusing simple bids for sympathy: Melody, ultimately, just wants to be treated like any of her peers. And her inner monologue, sensitively voiced by Jennifer Aniston (the woman that sitcom fan Melody, growing up in the early 2000s, would love to emulate) brings viewers of all ages closer to true identification with a character whose fire and drive transcend speech. For using heartfelt storytelling to carry across a timely reminder of the respect and care we owe members of our national community who have special needs, Out of My Mind wins a Peabody Award.