Keep the Change

Synopsis

Keep the Change is a heartfelt 2013 romantic comedy-drama directed by Brandon Polansky that explores the nuances of love and connection within the autism community. The film follows David, a neurodivergent man played by Brandon Polansky, who returns to New York after rehab and attends a support group where he meets Sarah, portrayed by Samantha Elisofon. Their budding relationship challenges conventions and highlights the unique ways individuals on the autism spectrum navigate intimacy, friendship, and vulnerability. With authentic performances and a genuine script, Keep the Change provides a fresh perspective on romance, humanizing characters often overlooked in mainstream cinema while maintaining warmth, humor, and sincerity throughout.

Cast

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  Brandon Polansky

  David

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  Samantha Elisofon

  Sarah

Reviews

Keep the Change has been praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of autism, steering clear of stereotypes while delivering a touching narrative. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.4/10, reflecting generally positive audience reception. Critics from sources like The New York Times commended the film's authentic performances and nuanced approach, noting its "refreshingly honest depiction of neurodiverse relationships." IndieWire highlighted the chemistry between the leads and the film's gentle, humorous tone, though some reviews pointed out pacing issues and a relatively simple plot. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for the film, but individual reviews tend to emphasize its importance in representing autism on screen with empathy and respect. Metacritic does not list a score either, indicative of its smaller release scale. Overall, Keep the Change is appreciated for contributing to socially conscious cinema and for delivering a sincere love story that resonates with many.