Romance,Comedy
United States of America
Keep the Change is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Rachel Israel. It tells the story of David, a young man diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, who is ordered by a judge to attend a social program at the Jewish Community Center. There, he meets a quirky and outgoing woman named Sarah who is assigned to be his partner for a group outing. Initially convinced that he doesn't belong there, David finds himself gradually opening up to the experience as he spends more time with Sarah.
The film explores their budding relationship as they navigate the challenges of adult life and their individual struggles. Though David and Sarah have different romantic histories, their relationship blossoms under the Brooklyn Bridge. However, their journey is not without obstacles. David's mother is judgmental of his diagnosis and is determined to control his life. Sarah must come to terms with her past and find a way to trust David's intentions.
The film is notable for its casting of actors with autism spectrum disorder in most of the roles. Brandon Polansky, who plays David, is on the spectrum and provides a naturalistic and authentic portrayal of a person with autism. Samantha Elisofon, who plays Sarah, is also a talented actor with autism. They bring a unique perspective and humanize the experiences and challenges faced by people with autism spectrum disorder in a compassionate and humorous way.
Keep the Change premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2017 and won the award for Best Narrative Feature. It has received critical acclaim for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of love and relationships, as well as for its positive representation of people with autism.
