Off The Rails

Off The Rails is a heartwarming indie film directed by Adam Irving, released in 2016. Starring Charles Bilal, Courtney Brown, and Sally Butler, this documentary-style story follows the life of an American man named Darius McCollum, who becomes infamous for his obsession with the New York City subway system.

Darius was born with a condition called Asperger's syndrome, which makes him fascinated by the inner workings of trains and subways. In his youth, he would ride the subway for hours, memorizing each line and every stop. However, as he grew older, his fascination turned into an unusual and often dangerous obsession.

In his early twenties, Darius stole a subway train and was arrested for what he claims was a misunderstanding – he was just trying to help! – but the authorities saw things very differently. Since then, he has been in and out of prison multiple times for impersonating subway conductors, bus drivers, and station controllers.

Off The Rails tells Darius's story through a mixture of interviews with him and his family, footage from his many arrests, and reenactments of his most daring subway heists. The film does an excellent job of humanizing Darius and showing why he is not a typical criminal – his reasons for stealing trains and impersonating MTA employees are rooted in his love for the subway and his desire to be helpful.

The documentary also highlights the challenges that Darius faces in his daily life due to his autism. Darius struggles with independent living and has a difficult time finding and keeping a job. His obsession with transportation is an outlet for him, and the film makes a strong argument that society needs to do more to support people like Darius, who have unique talents and challenges.

Off The Rails is a touching portrait of a man who elicits both sympathy and respect from the viewer. The film raises important questions about society's treatment of people with disabilities and how we can better support them. Moreover, it explores the ethics of punishing someone who has done something wrong but whose intentions were not malicious.

Overall, Off The Rails is a thought-provoking and engaging film that will leave viewers with a lot to think about. Although it is a relatively low-budget documentary, the quality of the storytelling and the power of the subject matter make it a must-see for anyone interested in social justice or disability rights.