Being Heumann Review: Disability Rights Drama Lacks Spark

Sian Heder's film "Being Heumann" attempts to dramatize the life and activism of Judith Heumann, a pivotal figure in the disability rights movement. The film, which premiered at the Toronto film festival, focuses on Heumann's early career and her first significant political actions against government indifference. While the narrative draws from Heumann's well-known presence in the Netflix documentary "Crip Camp," where her wit, tartness, and zeal were evident, "Being Heumann" struggles to translate that spark into a compelling cinematic experience. The film is described as well-intentioned but ultimately clunky, with much of its content feeling formulaic and "cut-and-paste." The reviewer highlights the ubiquitous nature of curb cuts as a tangible legacy of the disability rights struggle, a fight that activists like Heumann championed. These seemingly simple conveniences were once considered radical and prohibitively expensive alterations to national infrastructure, facing similar arguments against ramps and other accessibility features. Heumann, who passed away in 2023, dedicated her life from the 1970s onwards to challenging governmental apathy towards the needs of disabled individuals. The film's ambition is to showcase the "long war on government indifference" that characterized her activism. However, despite the inherent dramatic potential of Heumann's story and her recognized charisma, the biopic "Being Heumann" fails to fully capture the rebellious groove that the subject matter suggests. The reviewer notes that while the film occasionally finds moments of energy, it too often relies on predictable storytelling, preventing it from achieving the impact of Heumann's actual achievements. The narrative arc, intended to be rousing, is hampered by a lack of originality in its execution. The film's focus on Heumann's initial major political acts aims to set the stage for her broader impact, but the execution is deemed insufficient. The reviewer's personal anecdote about using a curb cut serves as a poignant reminder of the practical, everyday impact of the battles fought by Heumann and her fellow activists, underscoring the importance of the cause even as the film's dramatic portrayal is found wanting. The film's title itself, "Being Heumann," suggests an exploration of identity and presence, but the reviewer implies that the film's portrayal is superficial, failing to fully embody the essence of its subject. The critical assessment points to a disconnect between the powerful real-life story and its cinematic adaptation, leaving the audience with a sense of missed opportunity. The film's intention to honor Heumann's legacy is clear, but its effectiveness is undermined by a perceived lack of innovation and emotional depth in its storytelling.