So B. It

So B. It is a compelling drama released in 2016, adapted from the touching novel of the same name written by Sarah Weeks. This award-winning film strikes a delicate balance between conveying an intimate family drama and grappling with deeper themes of disability, poverty, and finding one's identity. This character-driven narrative film primarily relies on the captivating performance by its young lead actress, Talitha Eliana Bateman, and the strong supporting performances by veteran actors Alfre Woodard and the late John Heard.

The film revolves around Heidi (Talitha Eliana Bateman), a bright and resourceful 12-year-old girl with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and answers. Heidi helms the storyline, carrying us on an emotionally charged exploration of her uniquely challenging world. Heidi lives a cocooned existence with her mentally challenged mother (Jessica Collins) who can only utter a total of twenty-two words, and their agoraphobic next door neighbor, Bernadette (Alfre Woodard). However, despite the often grim realities of their daily life, Heidi manages to keep her spirit unbroken, aided by a shared language between her and her mother and the grounded, loving care provided by Bernadette.

Throughout the narrative, Heidi is driven by curiosity and a burning need to understand their past. Her world, though small and simple, is filled with unanswered questions, particularly about her own identity and the origin of her mother's disability. This curiosity is sparked further when she comes across an undeveloped roll of film that hints at the existence of a long-lost family member. This discovery propels her on a courageous cross-country journey that initiates her introduction to the world beyond their confined apartment.

Woodard's captivating performance as Bernadette, the woman trapped by her fears yet fiercely protective and caring, provides an inescapable emotional anchor to the storyline. Each of their characters are sketched out with a keen sense of empathy and understanding, lending depth and poignancy to the underlying narrative. John Heard's portrayal of a distressed and fading father figure provides another layer of complexity to the plot.

So B. It is a beautiful exploration of the struggles and triumphs of an atypical family unit. Its portrayal of the differently-abled is done with great sensitivity and respect, subtly challenging societal norms and prejudices along the way. Director Stephen Gyllenhaal has masterfully woven an intricate tapestry of relationships, hinged on the unwavering bonds of love, showcasing an insight into the lives of those living on the fringes of society, often unseen and overlooked.

The movie charts its course by exploring vast emotional landscapes, and Bateman's performance ensures that the audience is invested in Heidi's quest from the get-go. There is a certain quiet bravery in her character which the young actress portrays with a powerful authenticity. Heidi's journey is one of determination, and despite being just a child, her resilience in the face of many hardships is profoundly inspirational.

The scenery throughout the film is inspiring too, providing a captivating visual counterpoint to the emotionally profound narrative. From the closed confines of their apartment to the wide open landscapes that Heidi traverses during her journey, the stark contrasts offer a cinematic delight.

In essence, So B. It is a poignant tale of love, loss and the indomitable human spirit. Through Heidi's character, the film subtly examines what it means to grow up, to love unconditionally, and to persist despite overwhelming odds. It is a heartfelt portrayal of countless, unsung stories that can often exist hidden amongst us, filled with resonances that challenges societal norms and prejudices. It asks us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the underlying humanity and complexity within each individual. Despite the hardships and the potent melancholy that is at the core of the movie, So B. It ultimately leaves us with a heartwarming reassurance of love's transformative power and the human capacity for resilience.