As someone experiencing autism and also participates avidly in math contests, it hits close to home. The depiction of math camp is stunningly close to real life; perhaps sans the cutthroat competition, though those kind of people do exist. To be honest it was quite painful to watch because it was too relatable, but in a good way. The only thing off was the ending, which I felt was quite saccharine and cloying. Still a great movie.

The acting and production of this movie are excellent. I wish the writers had stayed closer to the true story, however, instead of perpetuating the usual tiresome (and false) stereotypes regarding mathematical ability. In particular, the boy's mother is portrayed as a complete dunce with regard to math, unsure whether the number 48 is prime or not without referring to a card she carries. In reality, Daniel Lightfoot's mother was a math and science teacher. Even more inexplicably, the character of his long time math tutor that helps him compete for a spot on the British Mathematical Olympiad team is changed from a woman, Miggy Biller in real life, to a man with Multiple sclerosis so that he limps (message- to be a brilliant mathematician you have to be an awkward male). I would like for once see a story about a brilliant mathematician who is a sane, typically adjusted person, male or female. There were a couple supporting characters in the film that fit that description. What about their stories?