MM Shorts – Ryan Can’t Read

Director: Rhys Chapman

Starring: Lewis Ian Bray, James Nelson-Joyce

In the UK we are regularly exposed to mainstream media’s unrelenting demonisation of those having to claim benefits, caught up in a welfare system that seems hellbent on creating disillusionment, in addition to inflicting cruelty on the most vulnerable. Those installed to ‘help’ all too happy sticking to almost robotic scripting, offering frightfully little empathy about the specificity of one’s needs or disadvantages.

Previously tackling homophobia in football with the acclaimed short ‘Wonderkid’. Director Rhys Chapman hits the back of the net once again with the heart-swelling ‘Ryan Can’t Read’, which for all its stuttering ultimately delivers a triumphant message loud and clear.

The weary toes of Ryan (Lewis Ian Bray) as he staggers back from the job centre early on, epitomise his current predicament at home and in the wider world. His view has been literally dimmed. Through the shutting off of basic utilities alongside a lack of proper care in tackling his key drawback illiteracy, he is desperately looking to rally from the devastating loss of his mom. But rather like the wealth of envelopes gathering dust by his front door, an opening has proved elusive.

Never mind the door. Seemingly ready to knock walls down for our titular character is Tyrone (James Nelson Joyce), whose street smarts and unorthodox brand of mentoring present a much-needed glimmer of light to Ryan, slowly constructing a path to genuine independence for him. However, with Tyrone harbouring ambitions of his own. Can Ryan finally stand proud on his own two feet, fully overcoming his debilitating fears to breathe new life into himself?

Set in the heart of Liverpool. Chapman’s consistent opting for low-level camerawork doesn’t just make its characters feel grounded and accessible to its audience. It also reads as a thoughtful reminder that even when you hit rock bottom, that sense of attainment or aspiration should never leave you. Not just reserved for imposing fat cats, but the sheer graft found within the working classes too. In a society that constantly looks down. Chapman demands you look up and bask in this true sense of community, as the film’s central pair’s spirited dynamic quickly grows in stature.

Co-scripting with Chapman. Lewis Ian Bray’s own experience in being neurodivergent where literacy challenges are indeed common, ensures a level of authenticity and grit to its various scenarios that immediately resonate. When such material can easily be heavy-handed in approach, collectively they draw a considerate, deeply moving picture of this particular struggle.

Bray’s performance as Ryan anchors the film brilliantly. The way in which he sluggishly navigates life, you really feel the weight of that mostly unspoken emotional baggage he carries around. So to gradually see him formulate his thoughts, as the film sets up a final tear-jerking readthrough, warms your heart. Meanwhile James Nelson-Joyce’s showing as Tyrone bristles with energy and intent, whose initial tough love towards Ryan only makes his eventual vulnerability all the more impactful.

In a time when stories like this can so often be drenched in despair. ‘Ryan Can’t Read’ is an immaculate, beautifully observed tale that educates and uplifts in equal measure.

Images courtesy of Slick Films

Upcoming Screenings – Sunderland Shorts Film Festival (10th Anniversary) (Fri 16 May)