When we hit puberty we usually start trying to find our own identity. Your body and brains are starting to change and it might take a while before you’ll feel comfortable with that and have found your place in society. This is also the case for 24-year old Jacob Nossell from Denmark. In his head he is like any other person, but he stands out in the way he moves and talks, because he is spastic. He is searching for the answer what it means to be “normal”, whether he should be a live and how society will deal with people like him in the future. All those questions he wants to answer in a stage play at the Royal Danish theater. Director Christian Sønderby Jepsen follows Jacob during his search and preparations.
During his preparations for his shows he interviews people on the street, has his brains examined and talks to family and experts about a great range of subjects. He tries to get a job as a journalist, but despite his CV and abilities isn’t hired because of his phsycial state. It is shocking to see how he is asked if he’s able to talk less loudly or how some people don’t seem to care when they say hurtful things. But these are all moments he uses to make his show.
With him realising a couple of things he also faces some challenges. Jacob struggles with his health and his busy schedule has a huge effect on him, having to change his show. The parts of the show itself which are shown really make a huge impression. A poem he has written for his unborn child is heartbreaking. Whether Jacob has found his place in society remains an open question. He shows the audience (but also those watching the movie) how they look at him and also lets them know what questions keep him busy. A moving documentary that you won’t forget.
