Jackson Booth-Millard
With Goodnight Mister Tom and Appropriate Adult, this was another one of those television made dramas that really gripped me, and it managed to convince me that it was like a real film. Basically six year old Kyle Graham (introducing Andrew Byrne) is a boy who suffers a severe form of Autism, one that took two years to diagnose, and it causes him to be terrified of many things in everyday life, he has no close friends, but more than anything he cannot communicate properly. The many traumas and tantrums of Kyle have caused his parents, Nicola (Keeley Hawes) and Rob (Ben Miles) a lot of stress as he needs constant care, and they cannot get through to him, as he escapes into his own world of obsessions, such as trains and watching Thomas the Tank Engine. Trying to break through to him has caused friction in the marriage as well, Rob suggests placing Kyle in a special boarding school for autistic children, but Nicola loves him to much and wants him to grow up as part of society and try to learn the skills he needs at home. The social workers try to help as best as they can, and Nicola does get good moral support from her mother, 'Granny' Pat (Sheila Hancock) and father 'Grandpa' Jim (Duncan Preston), but they need a way to bring Kyle out of his shell. Nicola decides to try and see if Kyle can find connection with a new pet dog, so she brings a golden retriever puppy home and he does give him a name, Thomas, after the train and his favourite character. As time goes by Nicola and Rob see their son developing some communication through his affection for Thomas the dog, and they are smiling as he does show signs of improving. There is also a point when Rob has the idea to speak their feelings, through the dog, and they use this to stop Kyle from misbehaving and having tantrums. Nicola does find at one point that Thomas, now fully grown, may be becoming more prominent in Kyle's world, and he does kick the dog at one point in a moment of anger, and then there is the tragedy of Pat dying. After initially looking like Thomas may be lost after the kicking when he may have to be put down, he recovers, and Nicola and Rob are so happy when Kyle, speaking through the dog, tells them that he loves his mummy. Also starring Asa Butterfield as Andrew, Clive Mantle as John Havers, Lorraine Pilkington as Rachel and Noma Dumezweni as Paula Murray. Keeley gives a very emotional performance as the mother trying to cope with her disabled child, Miles is also great as the sympathetic and affectionate father, and of course young Byrne gives an extraordinary performance as the boy who makes small break through in his social interaction, and the dog is adorable as well. Being based on a true story, the events are very realistic and well played out, I can empathise and relate to the situation, I suffer a form of Autism myself and I know how difficult it can be sometimes, this is a brilliant drama. Very good!
ogbertuk
I saw this on TV over the Christmas period.And i've got to say how brilliant this film was.Having an autistic child i was expecting the TV soap opera approach.How wrong was i.So many things in this hit like a hammer.Situations both myself and my wife have been though.Screaming in the street,People staring in disgust,Trying to buy new shoes.....The list is endless.Well made and acted.A truly amazing story.This film must be on your 'To watch List'If only we had a DVD release.Remember you don't need a wheel chair to be disabled.
benbrae76
I won't elaborate on the plot of "After Thomas" as it's been covered by other reviewers, all of whom (to date) I must heartily agree with. As a drama it was faultless, and must have brought hope to many parents in a similar situation. The acting by all (including the dog) was superb, and Keeley Hawes in particular has proved once again what a magnificently talented actress she is, and that there is no role she cannot tackle. As she did last year in "Under the Greenwood Tree" she teams up again, equally successfully, with Ben Miles, and their performances are just as unmissable. A special tribute has to be paid to Andrew Byrne for his portrayal as the autistic child Kyle. A truly remarkable job for such a young actor.If this movie does not receive an award of some sort, then there is no justice.
Loucarlisle
A touching drama about how a dog changes a boy with Autism's life and helps him in his world. I didn't realise it was a true story until the end. There were moments when you really could feel the parents anguish and moments when you felt their absolute joy as to what was happening. The acting was really true to life as to how hard it can be when you have a child with autism. Felt the first part took a while to get going while the second half once the dog had come seemed rushed. One moment the dog was a puppy and the next minute there was a fully grown dog. Not sure if the child who played Kyle was autistic but if not he had the part down to a tee as to how a child with Autism will often react and struggle to express their opinions. Well worth a viewing. Strong language in there from Kyle but otherwise a very true to real life story which makes you understand how the parents felt at the time.
