Out of My Mind Parent Guide

Twelve-year-old Melody Brooks (Phoebe-Ray Taylor) is bright, curious, and filled with ideas, all of which are trapped inside her head. Born with cerebral palsy, Melody uses a wheelchair to help her move, but the wheels can’t overcome her inability to speak. There is, however, a type of technology – augmented alternative communication – which could give her a voice. But the unit costs seventeen thousand dollars, and is not covered by insurance.

Luckily, Melody has determined parents (Chuck and Penny, played by Luke Kirby and Rosemarie DeWitt) and the support of Katherine Ray, a post-doctoral student (Courtney Taylor). Working together, they are able to source a unit for Melody, and new opportunities open up.

The speech device makes it easier for Melody to attend a regular sixth grade class instead of the special education class she has been in for seven years. She dreams of making friends, wearing cool clothes, and learning new things – maybe even being on the school quiz team. There’s plenty of opposition from the teacher and school administration, but Melody has her own voice now, and there’s no stopping her.

Out of My Mind is not the movie I expected. Yes, it’s inspirational and uplifting. And yes, it hits many of the expected beats for a feel-good production aimed at kids. But this film doesn’t always deliver the predictable resolutions you would normally find in this kind of show. Instead, it takes some hard turns, rounding out characters and allowing them to demonstrate heartbreak, courage, and resilience. The film is replete with positive themes, also driving home messages about kindness, empathy, neighborliness, inclusivity, and the benefits of diversity. It’s an eye-opening film for kids (and adults) and can spark useful conversations at home and in the classroom.

Given that Out of My Mind is a made-for-streaming film, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the production. The writing is good, and the acting superb. Phoebe-Ray Taylor is incredibly expressive, giving us a window into Melody’s emotions, even when she is unable to speak. Courtney Taylor, as the assured, upbeat post-doc student who is pushing Melody into mainstream education, is rock solid. And Luke Kirby and Rosemarie DeWitt bring love, worry, hope, and realistic protectiveness to their roles as Melody’s parents.

Also true to life is the movie’s depiction of some of Melody’s challenges. A relative of mine fought to have her disabled child mainstreamed at school, and the Brooks parents demonstrate the tenacity that is necessary to fight the bureaucracy if it fails where it should help. Also maddening is the scene in the airport. If you, like me, have ever traveled with a family member in a wheelchair, you will feel again the red-hot rage that comes when trying to cope with the horrific service and needless barriers that so often bog down travel for the disabled. Frankly, this part of the movie will feel like an unwanted flashback for disabled viewers and their families. It’s just a bit too realistic.

But if you’re looking for a family-safe film that educates while it entertains, Out of My Mind is a good choice. One of the greatest benefits of books and movies is that they allow us to see the world from someone else’s perspective. And letting kids see things through Melody’s eyes will always be a win.