Yo, Tambien (Me, Too)

Daniel was born with Down's Syndrome, but through his mother's determination and relentless hard work, he is well educated and relatively independent. After graduating from university, he starts his first job in the Department of Social Services where he falls in love with his enigmatic co-worker Laura. With her own demons concerning love, trust and relationships with men, Laura drops her guard and the two strike up a close friendship. For a time together, they experience what it's like to feel 'normal'. But soon, the close-mindedness from their surrounding world begins to creep in and eat away at their bond.

Brimming with humour and humanity, this poignant Spanish drama is without doubt one of my favourites from this year's EIFF. What I loved about it was that it wasn't so much about people who are different just because they have an extra chromosome; it's a more universal story of humans who constantly struggle to fit in.

In following these two beautiful characters, we come to realise the importance of self acceptance and expression. With all the best intentions Daniel's mother has essentially created a shell of normality around her son; he thinks and feels the same as everyone else. But when he is treated differently in the real world, the shell cracks and crumbles, leaving him more vulnerable than ever. It asks the question, is happiness found in normality or the acceptance of our peculiarity? The film frequently visits a dance studio where Daniel's sister-in-law runs classes for young people with Down's Syndrome. The scenes are incredible; the strength and conviction of movement, and the sheer intensity of human expression is alien to our 'normal' world; these young adults can express themselves with a purity that most of us have learnt to suppress.