Reading Kate

Reading Kate is a 2015 indie drama directed by Daniel Florenzano, starring Megan Massie as Kate, Tom Luce as Isaac, and Molly Cooley as Lily.

The film follows Kate, a young woman struggling to adjust to her newfound blindness. Before losing her sight, Kate was an avid reader and aspiring writer. But now, she feels lost and alone, unable to even read a simple sentence. Her boyfriend, Isaac, tries to help her adjust to her new life, but he struggles to understand her frustrations and fears. Kate's closest friend, Lily, tries to support her, but she has her own issues to deal with.

As the story unfolds, Kate becomes increasingly isolated, withdrawn from the world around her. But then she meets a blind man named David who teaches her how to use a Braille machine. Kate is reluctant at first, but David's patience and understanding eventually help her learn to read again. He introduces her to a group of other visually impaired people who share their own experiences and perspectives with her.

Meanwhile, Isaac and Lily are going through their own struggles. Lily is dealing with a failing relationship, and Isaac is grappling with his own sense of helplessness in his attempts to support Kate. As Kate's relationship with David deepens, Isaac becomes increasingly jealous and resentful, leading to a dramatic confrontation that forces all of the characters to confront their own fears and limitations.

Reading Kate is a powerful exploration of what it means to live with a disability, and how fear and misunderstanding can drive people apart even when they want to be close. The film is beautifully shot, with starkly lit scenes that highlight the raw emotions of the characters. The performances are nuanced and complex, with each actor bringing a depth to their role that makes the characters feel fully realized.

One of the strengths of the film is the way it explores the experience of blindness. Rather than simply portraying it as a loss or a tragedy, the film underscores the resilience and creativity that blind people bring to their lives. As Kate learns to read Braille and interact with the world around her, the film celebrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness that allows blind people to thrive.

At the same time, the film also acknowledges the challenges and frustrations that come with blindness, especially in a world that can be indifferent or hostile to people with disabilities. Kate's struggles with self-doubt and isolation are given weight and complexity, highlighting the emotional toll that blindness can take on a person.

Overall, Reading Kate is an emotionally resonant film that examines the complexities of disability, friendship, and romantic relationships. It is a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of what it means to live with a disability, and how people can find strength, support, and love even in the face of immense challenges.