Come As You Are Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three guys with disabilities hire a no-nonsense nurse driver to sneak them to a special Canadian brothel because, hey, everyone deserves an adventure and maybe some action.

🍿 Come As You Are: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meet the Trio: Scott, Matt, and Mo

The film introduces us to three young men with distinct disabilities: Scott, a sharp-witted quadriplegic living at home; Matt, a recently jilted blind man; and Mo, who uses crutches and is often socially awkward. They meet at a physical therapy center where they bond over their shared frustrations, particularly their lack of sexual experience and desire for independence. Their lives feel stagnant and dictated by overprotective families.

The Quest for Experience Begins

Frustrated by their circumstances, Scott learns about a specialized brothel in Montreal, Canada, that caters specifically to people with disabilities. Believing this is their only chance to lose their virginity and gain a sense of freedom, he convinces Matt and Mo to join him on a road trip. Despite the logistical challenges and familial opposition, they commit to the journey.

Hiring a Driver: Sam

Recognizing they cannot make the trip alone, the trio hires Sam, a tough, no-nonsense nurse who needs the money. Sam is initially cynical and detached, viewing the job purely as a paycheck. As they embark on their ambitious road trip from the United States to Montreal, their clashing personalities and the inherent difficulties of the journey create both tension and unexpected moments of humor and connection.

Challenges on the Road

The road trip is fraught with obstacles, from navigating accessible accommodations to dealing with vehicle issues and running into their worried parents who attempt to intercept them. These challenges test the group’s resolve and the limits of Sam’s patience. However, they also force the three friends to rely on each other and Sam, leading to personal growth and strengthening their bond.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Scotty (Grant Rosenmeyer): A young quadriplegic man who instigates a road trip to Canada to lose his virginity.
• Matt (Hayden Szeto): A young man with a disability who joins his friends on a road trip to find independence and experience.
• Mo (Ravi Patel): A young blind man who embarks on a road trip with his friends seeking connection and new experiences.
• Sam (Gabourey Sidibe): The seemingly jaded nurse hired to drive three young men with disabilities on their quest for sexual experience.
• Liz (Janeane Garofalo): A parent of one of the young men, struggling with her son’s pursuit of independence and his unusual road trip destination.
• Roger (C.S. Lee): A parent navigating his son’s desire for autonomy while worrying about the risks of the road trip.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Scotty: “Operation copulation is a go.” – Said with determination to his friends as they embark on their road trip to fulfill their goal.
• Sam: “My job is to drive. Not to coddle, not to counsel, just to drive.” – Sam lays down the rules at the beginning of the trip, establishing her no-nonsense attitude towards the three young men.
• Matt: “I just want to be seen… like anyone else.” – Matt expresses his deep-seated desire for normalcy and acceptance, beyond the limitations imposed by his condition.
• Scotty: “We’re going to Montreal. Nothing’s stopping us.” – Scotty affirms their collective resolve and determination to complete their challenging journey despite obstacles.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $16,209

💥 Come As You Are Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie really got me! I went in expecting a quirky comedy, but it was so much more. The characters felt incredibly real, and I was rooting for them from the first mile of their crazy road trip. Seeing Scotty, Matt, and Mo bond and navigate the world, pushing back against their parents’ expectations and their own limitations, was genuinely moving. There were moments I laughed out loud, especially with Scotty’s blunt humor, but then hit me with unexpected emotion, like Matt’s quiet struggles or Mo’s perspective on connection. The dynamic with their driver, Sam, was also fantastic. Gabourey Sidibe is perfect in that role – tough but with a huge heart underneath. It’s a movie about friendship, freedom, and the universal desire for connection, and it handles it all beautifully without being preachy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven road trip movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dramedies with heart and humor”
  • “Audiences interested in stories about disability and independence”
  • “Those looking for films with strong ensemble casts”
  • “People who enjoyed films like ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ or ‘The Road Within'”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Adult themes (specifically sexuality and visiting a brothel)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Discussion of sexual frustration and disability challenges”

Professional Reviews

• Film Quarterly: “Richard Wong’s ‘Come As You Are’ is a surprisingly heartfelt and genuinely funny road trip flick. It tackles sensitive subjects with grace, anchored by strong performances from the central trio and a standout turn from Gabourey Sidibe. The chemistry is palpable, making their journey relatable despite the unique premise. It’s a film that makes you laugh often but sticks with you for its emotional depth.
• Movie Maven: “This American remake proves its worth by focusing on character and heart. While the premise sounds like pure dark comedy, the film unfolds as a touching exploration of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. The actors inhabit their roles beautifully, bringing authenticity and charm to the screen. A hidden gem that’s worth the watch.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the movie for balancing laugh-out-loud humor with deep emotional moments.: Many found the characters incredibly relatable and loved the chemistry of the main cast, highlighting the film’s authentic portrayal of universal desires like independence and connection.

Overall Consensus: A warm, funny, and surprisingly moving road trip dramedy praised for its great characters, performances, and heartfelt exploration of friendship and independence.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is an American remake of the critically acclaimed 2011 Belgian film ‘Hasta La Vista’, which shares the same premise.”
• “The story is directly inspired by the real-life experiences of Asta Philpot, a British man with arthrogryposis, whose journey was chronicled in the 2007 documentary ‘For One Night Only’. Asta Philpot also appears in a cameo role in this film.”
• “While the lead actors are not disabled in real life, they reportedly spent significant time researching and working with consultants to accurately portray their characters’ physical conditions and the associated daily challenges.”

🖥️ How to Watch Come As You Are?

Finding where to watch ‘Come As You Are’ (2020) is straightforward. The film is typically available for rent or purchase on major digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. While it may rotate through various subscription streaming services over time, checking these platforms is the most reliable way to watch this acclaimed dramedy. Consider renting for a one-time viewing or purchasing for repeat enjoyment.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Come As You Are, you might like these similar films:

• Hasta La Vista (2011): This is the original acclaimed Belgian film that ‘Come As You Are’ is a direct remake of, featuring the same core story and themes.
• The Road Within (2014): Another road trip movie about three young people with different conditions (Tourette’s, OCD, anorexia) who escape a treatment center to scatter ashes.
• The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): Features a young man with Down syndrome who runs away from a care home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler, forming an unlikely bond on a road trip.
• Intouchables (2011): Based on a true story, this film explores the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat and his unconventional caregiver, highlighting themes of freedom, dignity, and breaking societal norms.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A quirky independent film about a dysfunctional family’s road trip to get their daughter into a beauty pageant, sharing the road trip genre and themes of pursuing dreams against odds and finding connection.

🛒 Come As You Are Related Products

• Come As You Are (Blu-ray/DVD): Own the film that critics are calling a ‘hidden gem’. Features widescreen presentation and possibly bonus features exploring the true story inspiration.
• The Road to Empowerment: Stories Inspired by ‘Come As You Are’: An anthology or expanded look at the real-life journey that inspired the film, featuring interviews or essays on disability, independence, and travel.
• Feel-Good Road Trip Movies Collection: A curated digital collection or box set of uplifting films centered around road trips and personal discovery.
• Universal Travel Mug: A durable, easy-to-use travel mug perfect for any journey, reminding you of the characters’ cross-country adventure.

🎧 Soundtrack

Come As You Are features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Understand” – performed by Chief WaKil

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Nirvana – Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live On MTV Unplugged Unedited)

You know how The Batman totally nailed the mood? A big part of that was Nirvana’s music. Check out this powerful live performance from their legendary Unplugged session – it really gives you a feel for why they fit the film so well.

Nirvana – Come As You Are (Live On MTV Unplugged, 1993 / Unedited)

Okay, one Nirvana track isn’t enough context for The Batman’s vibe! Here’s another absolute classic from that same incredible Unplugged show – seriously, Kurt’s voice on this version is haunting and perfect.

Come As You Are

Curious about more of the music that set the mood for The Batman? Give the studio version of “Come As You Are” a listen – it’s a different energy than the live stuff but just as iconic for understanding the band’s sound.

✨ Rate