Love and Communication
{{citation style|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Love and Communication
| image = Love_and_Communication_(2022_film).jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = James J. Christy
| producer = Rob Margolies
Kevin Granahan
Zinarta Judea Cruse
| writer = James J. Christy
| screenplay =
| story =
| based_on =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| narrator =
| music = Tom Devaney
| cinematography = Eddie Bernard
| editing = James J. Christy
| studio = LAC Productions
Different Duck Films
Luber Roklin Entertainment
| distributor = Studio Dome
| released = {{Film date|2022|04|23|AIFF|df=y}}
| runtime = 78 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget =
| gross =
}}
Love and Communication is a 2022 American drama film written and directed by
James J. Christy, based on his 2011 stage play of the same name. The film premiered in competition at the Arizona International Film Festival,Arizona International Film Festival. 2022 Arizona International Film Festival Catalog, 13. Tucson: Arizona International Film Festival, 2022. https://filmfestivalarizona.com/pdf/AIFF‑catalog‑2022.pdf?pg=13. and was distributed internationally through Studio Dome.Studio Dome. Love and Communication. 2022. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://dev.studiodome.com/titles/love-and-communication.
The cast includes Lev Gorn, Briana Evigan, Ryan Kennedy, Ellen Adair, and Nikkole Salter.Rotten Tomatoes. “Love and Communication: Full Cast & Crew.” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_and_communication/cast-and-crew.
Love and Communication follows a young couple navigating the challenges of raising a son recently diagnosed with autism. As they become embroiled in a battle with their school district over his education, the tension begins to take a toll on their marriage.Love and Communication. “About Love and Communication.” Love and Communication, accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.loveandcommunication.com/news
Plot
Megan and Rob Holden are a young couple whose lives are upended when their son, Samuel, is diagnosed with autism. As they confront an unyielding school district, their options diverge sharply: Megan places her hope in a new, relationship-based therapy promoted by a charismatic online figure, while Rob resorts to increasingly desperate and extreme means to secure Samuel a spot in an elite private school. Their intense efforts not only strain their marriage but also threaten the bond with their beloved son.
Cast
- Lev Gorn as Silverman
- Briana Evigan as Megan
- Ryan Kennedy as Rob
- Ellen Adair as Julia
- Nikkole Salter as Regina
- Ariel Shafir as Ephraim
- Crystal Sha'nae as Annette
- Damon Bonetti as Donato
- Joshua T. Crockett as Willis
- Zinarta as Molly
- Eric Gilde as Stepansky
- Sam Gray as Diana
- Sarah Nedwek as Colleen
- Hilary Greer as Joan
- Emperor Kaioyus as James
Reception
The film received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the strength of the ensemble and Christy's handling of sensitive subject matter.
In a review for Film Threat, critic Alan Ng praised the film writing "Love and Communication is not the film I expected—it’s better. It doesn’t attempt to simplify or solve autism but instead focuses on how far two parents will go, even crossing ethical lines, to give their son the best chance. Thanks to smart writing and compelling performances, the film offers a sincere, sometimes uncomfortable, and always honest portrait of what it takes to advocate for your child in a world full of uncertainty."Ng, Alan. “Love and Communication.” Film Threat, June 3, 2025. https://filmthreat.com/reviews/love-and-communication/.
In a more mixed review from Movies Thru the Spectrum, Al Alexander awarded the film a C+, noting "Give Christy credit for opening our eyes to the mountains of red tape parents of autistic children must cut through to ensure the best path for their child. It’s heartbreaking. I would have preferred he’d accomplished it with a more subtle approach. These are important issues that deserve a less tawdry setting. But perhaps being bold is what it takes to draw attention to the hoops parents must jump through to provide for their kids."Alexander, Al. “Love and Communication (2022).” Movies Thru the Spectrum, June 10, 2025. https://moviesthruthespectrum.com/2025/06/10/love-and-communication-2022/.
Awards
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year !Association !Category !Nominee !Result !class=unsortable| Ref. |
| 2022
| Arizona International Film Festival | Best Dramatic Feature | James J. Christy | {{nominated}} | |
| 2022
| Louisville's International Festival of Film | Best Feature | James J. Christy |{{nominated}} |
| 2022
|New Hope International Film Festival | Audience Choice Award | James J. Christy |{{won}} |
| 2022
| New Hope International Film Festival | Indie Spirit Award | James J. Christy | {{won}} | |