As a person who would self identify as a mostly "undiagnosed high functioning neuro-atypical" a lot of my first viewing was painful. I felt too much of a kinship with the main character, and what bad things happened to them. And felt jealous that so many tense situations worked out in their favor for no reason I could tell of. Or nitpicking how they weren't doing a credible reaction by the main character to the latest problem (yeah, it can get annoying to see someone react over and over too...there are "good times").
Or feeling that a scene's emotional energy came out of left field. And that they were trying, but it felt manufactured. Forced. And that the music was a bit generic, though I'd only call it that after focusing for a bit on my second viewing.
But there is a lot to enjoy here too...
I liked seeing some culturally unique people who weren't just the "native American ..." whatever (geek, jock, etc). But the story wasn't all about using native American magic/ideas to solve everything either (or didn't feel that way to me).
Even during COVID lockdowns they tried to do a neat flick about being better together (with no more than 10 people together at a time for a number of scenes).
Feels a bit "play it forward" like, in that I'm sure they're hoping to spur some community efforts.
I was surprised that the goggles the main character tries to use were a real device. I kept hearing "my new eyes" when they meant "my NuEyes". Wish they'd explained a tiny bit better what they did. They just showed some warped and zoomed images a few times, or blurred a scene.
I'll admit part of my time was spent admiring the female co-lead Carolina Hoyos. I'm a sucker for a smart, powerful gal with a bit of curve to her (and a pretty smile).
Who should watch: if jaded then probably best avoided. You'll think it's all a fairy tale farce. If interested in politics, communities, or are somehow connected with someone on the ASD spectrum it'll probably be worthwhile to you.
