DIFF2017: Dina

This documentary was funny, uplifting, and slightly frightening for a scene. It follows Dina, an autistic woman in her late forties, and her lover, Scott, an autistic man, as they engage in their relationship. From the beginning scenes, we can tell that they strongly love each other through all of the facets in their lives. Their lives are pretty well put together. Dina and Scott are both members of a group of people with disabilities, have jobs, and have two good friends. They ride the bus independently, sustain themselves with all available finances, and live in their own place.

Their love is extremely quirky and extremely cute. Scott tells Dina that he loves her multiple times a day while Dina reciprocates that love and continually seeks more intimacy with her partner. Throughout the film she concentrates on bettering the sexual aspect of their relationship while Scott increasingly feels a bit uneasy. The creators took great lengths into penetrating all of Dina and Scott’s life together by being in every possible situation. In the first scene, we see Dina ask the dental assistant if she could hold her hand because of her fear of the procedure. The dental assistant awkwardly says yes. We see from this exchange how Dina is overtly friendly and the happiness she constantly displays.

To me, one of the prevailing messages of the film was that even though these people were disabled they could still lead fulfilling lives. That was a touching acknowledgement. The several outdoor shots in the northeast where this documentary was filmed were conducive to the uplifting essence that one got from seeing it. Dina and Scott have memorable times going out on day trips to various places in that area. They have a good amount of fun together and as an audience we feel content for them.

Films that give strength to disabled individuals by depicting their lives are commendable and this is such a film. Dina gives voice to millions of Americans by illustrating the fact that she is living a beyond adequate life with her partner. (Spoiler alert) The previously mentioned scare that occurs in a painstaking segment involves a 911 recording of Dina’s former lover stating he’s just stabbed her. Those minutes of the film were hair-erecting and really brought the audience into Dina’s history. In sum, this was an enjoyable peak into the life of someone who is different and has gone through a ton of experiences. Dina is a valuable one to see.
(Review by Wyatt Head)