'CripTales' Review: A raw, inviting collection of short stories that bring laughter, shocks and tears
'CripTales' is a collection of six short films written, directed and performed by people who are differently-abled. Its raw, yet inviting nature not only gives many a reality check but also makes it a wonderful watch. The collection is now part of many other series in the free streaming collection for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Put together by Mat Fraser, known for 'His Dark Materials' and 'American Horror Story', each short film is about 15 minutes long. As we had previously reported, the short films include 'Audition' by Mat Fraser directed by Ewan Marshall, 'Thunderbox' by Genevieve Barr directed by Amit Sharma, 'The Real Deal' by Tom Wentworth directed by Ewan Marshall, 'Hamish' by Jack Thorne directed by Sharma as well as 'Paper Knickers' by Jackie Hagan directed by Marshall and 'The Shed' by Matilda Ibini directed by Jenny Sealey.
With a press release earlier stating that the films "cover a variety of experiences", we have decided to breakdown each of the films in this article — without giving too much away of course. The press release further had said that "each film is a fictional monologue capturing a life-changing moment for a person with disabilities, based on factual research and lived experience and spanning the last 50 years of British history."
'Audition'
Here we have Fraser, who takes us back to his childhood days as he waits in a room before an audition. We learn about his fears, the reasons behind it and what comes next.
'Thunderbox'
We are in the year 1968, where Sue, played by Ruth Madeley, is plopped on a toilet seat at a festival. This is the year that abortion is made legal and this brings up many interesting questions about "body and belief" for our protagonist who is pregnant.
'The Real Deal'
This short film speaks to the benefits system in the UK where Meg, played by Liz Carr, initially starts to catch a man for fraud. The story takes a turn when a friendship is brewed between the man and Meg — now Meg is in a position where she can also claim benefits for herself.
'Hamish'
We are in the year 1981, where Hamish, played by Robert Softley Gale, is in an unexpected situation. Having recently been given the chance of independence through the use of a self-operated wheelchair, he decides to pique his sexual interest by making his way into the woods. What he didn't expect was what he was faced with.
'Paper Knickers'
Jackie Hagan is set to make a bold choice — to have her leg amputated or not? She speaks about the changes that having one leg would bring to her life, especially with a recent romantic interest. What it's like to be an amputee is a question that is deeply explored in this short film.
'The Shed'
A writer, played by Carly Houston, is falling in love with her neighbor but has an obstacle to face — her caregiver Ellie does not approve and makes efforts to stop the romantic venture from moving forward. This story is a little jarring considering many don't realize how much of a role a caregiver can play in the life of who they are caring for - not always with good intentions.
The films are a quick watch and are completely worth it as it brings to the surface stories that are usually not given enough screen time - sometimes at all. The stories will make you cry, and get teary-eyed while making you wonder why is it that films like this aren't the norm and how much they really should be. It shines a bright light on diversity and how those that are differently-abled also have very real stories to tell and experiences that need to be heard — not dismissed.
We have to say that films like these can relate to many who also have to face unnecessary scrutiny for being different when the real truth is that life-experiences are just that — they don't have any bias and it's time people hear all stories with the same candor they do stories that make primetime.
'CripTales' airs on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 10 pm ET/9c on BBC America. The collection of films will also be available to stream at the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month on AMC, IFC, SundanceTV and AMC+.