Can an autistic boxer and an exotic dancer live happily ever after? It’s not that easy. And thank goodness, God’s Ears doesn’t portray it that way. God’s Ears represents the independent filmmaker at his finest. Michael Worth went “all in” to write, produce, direct, edit and star in this award-winning gem of an indie.
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Noah (Worth) and Alexia, played by Margot Farley, are the central characters of this love–let me rephrase that–connection story. For years, Noah has lived his life in what seems to be a less than ordinary manner. At least it appears that way to the people he comes in contact with every day. His days consist of breakfast at the diner, sweeping up at the boxing gym and appointments with his psychologist. Oh, and bike rides. Noah is happiest with the wind in his face while he peddles his only means of transport. Alexia is a pole dancer afraid to make any meaningful connections. Then, she meets Noah. You either get Noah or you don’t. Alexia seems to get him instantly.
The boxing gym’s owner, played by John Saxon, gives Noah the opportunity to spar instead of Noah just hitting a bag when no one is around. Noah has been fighting alone his entire life. This was a chance to step outside his ropes and get into the ring. Do Alexia and Noah fall in love? I don’t think so. Instead, they develop a life-altering bond that pushes them both into a place they never expected to be.
Having an autistic son, I’ve seen my fair share of autism flicks. Some of them are good (Temple Grandin) and some of them rub me the wrong way (almost every documentary). The documentaries are usually riddled with pseudo science trying to elicit fear. Causation and cure theories have no place in this story–that makes this film even more watchable. Worth delivers a solid performance by committing to his own definition of autism. Although his strengths and challenges are different than my son’s, I saw some of my boy in Noah and that endeared him to me.
God’s Ears reminded me that my son was going to be a man one day. He will be accepted by some and made fun of by others. It’s the same thing that happens now, but now, he has my husband and I to advocate for him. We are teaching him how to advocate for himself so that hopefully he can be in control of his present and his future. We put in a lot of time trying to figure out ways to connect with our boy and it has paid off. Whether he visits our world or we visit his, we have a connection that is our most cherished possession. I saw a glimpse of that between Noah and Alexia. Hopefully our son can develop that kind of relationship with someone outside our family. Someone he chooses to share a laugh with or someone to hold him when he is overwhelmed. I just hope I’m around to see it.
Please visit the website http://godsears.com/store-gods-ears-film.html to get a copy of the film and check the site for upcoming screenings.
Awards for God’s Ears
- Domani Vision Award for Emerging Talent: Michael Worth
- The Jack Nance Breakthrough Performance Award: Michael Worth
- American International Film Festival “Best Actor” Michael Worth
- Feel Good Film Festival -“Best Feature Film” Michael Worth
- Las Vegas Film Festival- “Best Director” Michael Worth
- Method Fest -“Best Supporting Actor” John Saxon
- Big Island Film Festival -“God’s Ears” Audience Choice Award
- Illinois International Film Festival -“God’s Ears” wins Best Dramatic Feature Film
- Action on Film International Film Festival -“Best Actress” Margot Farley
- Reel Heart Film Festival -“Best Actress” Margot Farley
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