Review of X+Y (2014) by Dawdlingpoet — 20 Nov 2021

This film is literally, or perhaps I should say visually, a colourful film, with the blue of Nathans eyes often zommed in on and shown in a particularly bright shade. From the start its made clear that Nathan has synesthesia, which is a neurological condition that affects the perception of the senses - often this comes across in the form of associating certain colours with particular letters and numbers. People are thought to see things much more vividly and have a different impression, or outlook, on the world but I suppose its hard to really understand or imagine how things appear to people who literally see things differently (I've read numerous books about neurology over the last year or so, as I find the subject matter quite fascinating).

Back to the plot and this is clearly (primarily) a drama about a child genius, a subject of which there have been numerous other films about. I liked this film for trying to bring across what its like for people like Nathan, people found to be on the autistic spectrum and thus find it hard to relate to other people and to socialise. This is perhaps less of a family based drama, compared to other similar films, as the majority of the film follows Nathan while he's away from friends and relatives, abroad in Asia. The main theme is (unsurprisingly) isolation, alongside communication and self expression.

I found myself feeling quite sorry for Nathan, for how really quite small details would bother him - worry and upset him, such as being given a meal from a restaurant that was ordered from a menu which the dish number associated with it isn't a prime number - a tiny detail which he feels to be of great importance. At various points in the film Nathans clear dislike, if not even mild distress, at having someones hand reached across in presumption that it'd be shaken by his, is made clear. It did momentarily make me wonder what it must be like to see such seemingly mundane, fairly everyday occurences, in such a somehow potentially dangerous way.

I felt that, as in many other films, the musical score is quite subtle and moreso it added to the general 'feel' or tone of the film, adding to the sense of isolation and concern linked with Nathan at different scenes/times. There was something fundamentally sad about how Nathan clearly struggled to be at ease with himself, let alone others, to get on while surrounded by many other mathematically 'gifted' people.

It has quite a bittersweet feel to it, this film. There are a number of ironic things which happen as a result of the plot. Its made clear that its not just Nathan who has issues. I can't not mention the strong element of sentimentality that is present throughout the film - I'm not sure it'd be fair to say this is purely a film aimed at weepy women (that would seem inherintly sexist surely?) but there are a number of scenes involving Nathans mother which show her struggling and could cause tears to flow. There is definitely a strong sense of struggle present, struggle and asserting personal identity and this isn't purely directed at Nathan but at those who who are close to him and play a part in his life. I liked how Asia (or, more precisely, Taiwan) was put across as quite a colourful, bright, vivid place with a pretty open culture (if you know what I mean). The locals that are shown seen very respectful and I (pardon the pun) respect that about Asian culture and by matter of fact I have been at least somewhat interested in Asia - the landscapes, the culture, the people, for many years now.

Content wise, there are one or two scenes of violence, some blood is shown which may trigger people with blood phobias and the like. There is some fairly strong language as well, although its hardly a very graphic film in general. For the record, this film carries a 12 certificate, so its suitable for teenagers and adults. Cast wise, I felt that Asa Butterfield did a brilliant job in bringing the main character of Nathan Ellis to life. He is emotionally very expressive, while still clearly quite cut off socially. The two other cast members that I felt did particularly well in their roles were Rafe Spall as Nathans personal maths tutor, Martin Humphreys - a man with a troubled past of his own and Nathans mother, Julie, who is played magnificently - with determination, sadness and stoicism well portrayed - by Sally Hawkins.