America doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to films about autistic people. Most of the films often depict autism incorrectly, with things such as stereotypes and actually focusing the story on the caregivers rather than the autistic person. It really says something when the best film about autism I have seen is a documentary called Life, Animated, based on the book of the same name. But over in Germany, there is a comedy with an autistic character in it that seems promising. 

“Weekend Rebels” is the story of a father named Micro and his son, Jason. Jason is struggling in his typical school and is asked to go to a special needs school. His father will not allow this, and instead promises that he will take Jason to every single German soccer stadium to help his son determine who is his favorite team. In order to do so, Jason must improve in school. 

This movie seems pretty interesting from this premise. The story being based on a boy’s special interest in soccer being a motivator to help him gain interest in doing better in school is a plot that seems fresh compared to most films about autism that treat special interests as unimportant. The only American film that I’ve read about as having featured a special interest as a pivotal plot point is “Come Play,” where Oliver’s special interest in SpongeBob SquarePants helps him calm down throughout the scary situations in the film. With Jason’s potential interest in soccer being a crucial part of the story of “Weekend Rebels,” it adds a heartwarming characteristic where Jason’s father really cares about what he enjoys. It also shows he’d do anything to make his son happy by completing the seemingly large task of visiting all 56 soccer teams in Germany. We don’t have to wait for a dubbed version of the film to come to the United States, as Apple TV will be adapting the film into English. 

The English adaptation of the film will be directed by Stephen Chbosky, known for writing the novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and directing its film adaptation, as well as “Wonder,” another film about a child with a disability. Starring in the film are Mark Wahlberg and Vera Farmiga, as well as child actor Indie DesRoches. In my opinion, I bet director Stephen Chbosky can handle the subject of autism properly and can make sure it doesn’t fall into the stereotypes most films about autism have. But if it does fall into those stereotypes, then I will be upset, as this does have potential to be a great film about autistic people, and if they mess it up, it will be a ridiculed film that isn’t a proper representation of autism, much like “The Unbreakable Boy.” 

I’m glad that Apple TV is going to potentially make this German film more accessible to English audiences by producing an adaptation of it. It fulfills my wish of wanting to see more positive autism representation. I think it’s been getting better in recent years, as even a PBS Kids show, “Carl the Collector,” was brave enough to have an autistic lead and a neurodivergent cast. It was praised for its portrayal of disabilities and how kids can face the challenges that come with them. I really hope this film is an example of great media about autistic people, rather than a bad example.