Being Heumann

Being Heumann (2026) is an Apple Original film starring Ruth Madeley, who plays disabled rights activist Judy Heumann. The film follows Judy’s exasperating journey to have Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act signed, a federal civil rights law that ensures disabled students’ access to education. Judy’s passionate determination and consistent campaigning ensured disabled access for millions of Americans and this film provides a beautiful tribute to her life and work.

The film, written and directed by Sian Heder, known for Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019), premiered this week at the London Film Festival and is set to be released on Apple TV soon. It is an incredibly engaging, funny and yet deeply daunting story of survival, commitment, persistence and the deeply connected community Judy built through her activism.

I must commemorate the casting for this film; when the credits scene acknowledged the original activists through photographs, the likeness of them to the cast of Being Heumann was uncanny. I hope audiences will appreciate that disabled actors were cast, providing real opportunities, representation and more resonant performances throughout.

The narrative was consistently engaging, perfectly paced and most importantly inspiring! The film juggled the more emotional and ‘all hope seems lost’ scenes with sections of laughter and victory brilliantly; it was a real emotional rollercoaster that you did not want to get off.

Having entered this film blind, without any knowledge of Judy Heumann, her history or her work, I was happy to be entertained yet educated on such a pivotal moment in history. I could not help but be brought to tears by the sentimental attachment of the team behind Judy and their ecstatic celebrations after Section 504 was signed by Joseph Califano (played by Mark Ruffalo).

The production value of this film was high, yet all notice goes to the strong and nuanced performances, with protagonist Ruth Madeley being a well-deserved highlight. She wonderfully encapsulates the relentless fight, giving viewers insight into the real-life tenacious work of Judy Heumann.

The character development of Dylan O’Brien’s character, journalist Evan White, was particularly memorable. Evan continued to follow and capture the campaign, slowly becoming a united partner in their work and a courageous ally. I hope his character can represent able-bodied members of society, urging them to continue to learn and support the fight for disabled access.