Being Heumann gives disability rights revolution a glossy, hokey sheen

A visually striking yet ultimately lacking portrayal of the disability rights movement is presented in Sian Heder's "Being Heumann." The film begins with striking images of New York City, setting the scene for its main character, Judy Heumann. Heumann's fiery spirit and determination are evident as she navigates the city, avoiding obstacles like traffic and curbs. However, the film quickly shifts to a more conventional historical biopic, losing its initial impact.

The real Judy Heumann and her peers successfully fought for equal opportunities for disabled Americans, ensuring accessibility in public spaces. Their struggle involved occupying a San Francisco government building for a month, enduring police pushback and state intimidation. Despite these hardships, the film struggles to authentically capture the nuances of this period, instead opting for overwrought dialogue and a lackluster depiction of events like the Black Panthers' support for the protestors.

While the film offers compelling performances, particularly by Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann, it ultimately fails to authentically convey the complexities of real change. It flattens history into entertainment, making it less enjoyable than simply reading about the actual events. The filmmakers' earnest belief in the story's importance is evident, but "Being Heumann" does not reach the heights of its real-world inspiration.