X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind)

UK Release Date: 13th March 2015

A socially awkward teenage math prodigy finds new confidence and new friendships when he lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad (www.imdb.com).

Director: Morgan Matthews 

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Jo Yang

X+Y is quite simply a beautiful film. First time director Morgan Matthews focuses on a child growing up with difficulties. Asa Butterfield's mathematics expert Nathan goes through troubles no kid should. His autism is touched upon often, but regardless of it, Nathan's story main stance is childhood issues. Being accepted is one, talking to girls is the other. What's so majestic about X+Y is how it encompasses the lives of those close to Nathan, especially his mother, Sally Hawkins, and mentor Rafe Spall, who suffers with multiple sclerosis. Both are superb, as is Asa Butterfield. It's a such a relief that X+Y follows its own path and not the outcome I expected of it.

4/5