Actress with Cerebral Palsy Brings Authenticity to the Screen

Written by Anne Driscoll, PR Intern at Boundless

In seventh grade, I attended the Youngstown State University English Festival. The annual event brought together middle and high school students from Northeast Ohio who had a passion for reading and storytelling. Participants competed in games, discussions and other activities centered around a curated selection of books, which were read throughout the school year in preparation for the event each April. In preparation for the festival, I devoured the book list, saving Out of My Mind for last, as my friends had told me it was an unforgettable read that would leave a lasting impact.

As I reached the last word on the final page and began to close the book, I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “I can’t wait for this to be a movie.”

Fast forward ten years later, I’m sitting on my couch with a half-empty bowl of popcorn, hitting the power button on my television as the credits of Out of My Mind roll. The movie had ended, and a sense of both satisfaction and reflection washed over me. The characters I had once imagined in my mind were now brought to life, and the emotional journey that had stayed with me for years felt complete in a new way.

Out of My Mind dives into the life of Melody Brooks, a sixth grader who is intelligent, attentive and fascinated by language. While her narration is rich and insightful, Melody lives with cerebral palsy, affecting her ability to speak and limiting her physical movement. Despite these challenges, her mind is sharp. Her love for language and her ability to absorb information make her stand out as a brilliant student, even though most people don't recognize her potential. The movie follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of middle school and family, trying to communicate her intelligence and prove her worth to those around her.

The movie’s commitment to authentic representation sets it apart from other adaptations of books. The film stars Phoebe-Rae Taylor, a young actress with cerebral palsy, in the role of Melody. By casting an actress with a lived experience of cerebral palsy, the film ensures that the story is not just told, but truly felt by those with similar disabilities.

While watching this movie, there were moments where I could feel Melody’s frustration with the people around her, especially when her intelligence was misunderstood due to her physical limitations. There are times when everyone feels underestimated or overlooked, but for Melody, these moments are amplified by the people around her and their narrow perceptions of disabilities. I think that’s why this movie is so important. Not only is it a look into what life with disabilities is like, but it also challenges the audience to confront their own assumptions and biases. It pushes viewers to see beyond the disability and recognize Melody's intellect, creativity and potential.

Taylor’s acting in this film is nothing short of phenomenal. Her facial reactions, body movements and subtle gestures all work together to convey the depth of Melody's emotions. She brings an authenticity to the character that is rarely seen on screen. Taylor’s debut as a first-time leading lady living with cerebral palsy herself, not only offers an accurate portrayal of Melody’s experiences but also breaks new ground in disability representation. Taylor shows viewers that while her disability has its unique challenges, it does not define her—nor should it define Melody. Her performance challenges stereotypes that people with cerebral palsy are limited to only minimal communication, proving instead that their thoughts and feelings are vast and complex.

If I could describe this film in one word, I would use transformative. Out of My Mind isn’t just the story of one girl overcoming barriers. It’s a powerful picture that introduces people to different ways of life. The film urges viewers to recognize the untapped potential within individuals with disabilities, challenging preconceived notions about intelligence, ability and worth.

Whether you're discovering Melody’s world for the first time via book or film, both versions act as strong reminders of the importance of looking beyond the outsides of people. 

The film can be found now on the streaming service Disney+.