Review of Any Day Now (2012) by Callum M — 10 Sep 2013

Despite a raft of lukewarm reviews, I thoroughly enjoyed this little charmer of a film which is, I am led to believe, "inspired by a true story".

Two Californian guys in the late 1970s take it upon themselves to look after a young teenager with Down syndrome (Marco) after he is taken into care when his mother is imprisoned.

For the first time in his life, the boy is looked after, doted on and cared for.

However, the legal system at the time was highly discriminatory towards gay people, particularly with regards to fostering, and despite blunt protestations ("who else wants to look after a short, fat, handicapped child?"), Marco is removed from their care, put in a home and later returned to his dysfunctional, drug-addicted mother - against his wishes.

Bar the last quarter of an hour, which suffers from Court Room Drama-itis, and a few diva-esque moments from Alan Cumming, an unexpectedly charming, honest, affectionate and moving film.

The ending, though, should come with a health warning: a complete bolt from the blue.

4/5.