Reflective Encounters

Spines is a charming semi-fictional film from director Joseph Inman about a young autistic boy, Thomas, and his love for books and fiction. The film is a very engaging watch, with careful detailing of the protagonists’ experiences with autism. However, Spines is not only a film about interests and fiction, but it is also very much about autism and the ways in which neurodiverse people navigate the world.

Thanks to the filmmaker’s lived experience of autism and the casting of an autistic lead actor (Oscar Payce), the film offers an authentic and understanding portrayal of autism. The clever command of editing and sound design as well as the endearing script work together to visualise these experiences to the screen.

Set in rural Cornwall, Spines has a wonderful pace to it, at times as calm and quiet as its setting, but occasionally intense also. Depictions of anxiety and sensory overload are well executed and offer a subtle reflection on the challenges faced by neurodiverse young people.

Ultimately, where Spines succeeds the most is in its warmth, its story being one about friendships and mutual understanding.

— Tom Collinson