Member review

Inside I’m Dancing is a deeply moving film about two young men who meet in a home for disabled people, both boys being disabled themselves. Michael Connolly (played by Steven Robertson), age twenty-four, has cerebral palsy which, amongst other things, restricts his speaking abilities. He’s spent most of his life in Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled and is content with that life. Then he meets troublemaker Rory O’Shea (James McAvoy) who is new to Carrigmore and desperate to get out. Rory has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and can only move his head and fingers on one hand, and Michael is stunned to find that Rory can understand him; thus their friendship begins. The film sees Michael and Rory become close friends as they battle for independence and, ultimately, a normal life. The direction of the film was generally unremarkable – the beauty of the film was mostly down to the characters – however the direction was not totally forgettable, there were some very effective camera movements and compositions. The thing I will remember most about this film is how funny it is. Right up to the end it had me laughing, even amongst my tears. Rory O’Shae is such a witty and normally upbeat character despite his misfortunes and he has some brilliant lines. Michael Connolly is also a surprisingly deviant character and the combination worked so well. I loved this film. The performances of Robertson and McAvoy are faultless and they work incredibly well together in this touching tale of friendship, love, and determination.