The Accountant 2: Redefining Autism in Film
In the realm of cinematic representations, the portrayal of autism has often been a tightrope walk between well-intentioned but often misinformed attempts at understanding and a genuine, nuanced depiction of the autistic experience. Many films fall into the trap of clinical specificity, reducing complex individuals to caricatures defined solely by their condition. However, “The Accountant 2,” the sequel to Ben Affleck’s 2016 action thriller, boldly challenges this norm. It presents a refreshing perspective, transforming autism not into a disability but a unique superpower, offering a thrilling and, at times, surprisingly heartwarming exploration of autistic ways of being. What makes this sequel so compelling is its departure from the more common pitfalls of representation, providing a narrative that resonates with authenticity and, dare I say, even joy. This article dives into the intricacies of “The Accountant 2,” analyzing its successes and shortcomings in depicting autism, and why it ultimately emerges as a significant and empowering piece of cinema.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Autism in Cinema
What makes a good portrayal of autism in film? The answer is as varied as the spectrum itself. The most compelling depictions often avoid the trap of presenting autism as a monolithic condition. Instead, they embrace the diversity of experiences, acknowledging that no two autistic individuals are alike. The best examples of autistic representation in media are not always explicit, but instead, they are found in the form and the way stories are told. “The Accountant 2” excels because it understands this. The film doesn’t merely name or define autism; it inhabits it. It allows viewers to witness the world through Christian Wolff’s eyes, understanding his unique way of processing information, interacting with others, and navigating the complexities of life. It acknowledges that, like all people, autistics have strengths, weaknesses, joys, and sorrows.
Consider the earlier film, “The Good Doctor,” which is a prime example of cringe-worthy representations of autistic individuals. Films like this create a stereotypical character that is designed to garner sympathy but instead, creates a sense of disconnect in the viewer. In contrast, “The Accountant 2” portrays the main character as a super-warrior assassin, raised since boyhood by an ex-military-psy-ops father to be a killing machine who is at one point forced to unleash Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat on his likely scarred-for-life 12-year-old bullies. “The Accountant 2” offers a different approach, portraying autism as a core aspect of the character’s identity, woven into the very fabric of the narrative. This allows for a deeper exploration of the challenges and triumphs of being autistic, creating a character that is both relatable and inspiring.
Unveiling the Autistic Experience Through Action
The genius of “The Accountant 2” lies in its ability to meld the gritty realism of action cinema with the specificities of the autistic experience. The film’s protagonist, Christian Wolff, played by Ben Affleck, is a CPA with autism who moonlights for dangerous criminal organizations. He uses his sharp analytical skills to crack complex tax fraud puzzles while also secretly assisting the authorities. However, what makes the film truly unique is its portrayal of Wolff’s autism as both a source of strength and a source of vulnerability. The film doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of social interaction, the struggles with communication, or the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world. Instead, it embraces them, using them to create a character that is both flawed and heroic. The film also gives a look into the loneliness and isolation that are common experiences for those on the spectrum.
Who is Christian Wolff? He is not a caricature, but a fully realized individual, who also happens to be autistic. His autism is central to both the plot and his characterization, providing him with a unique ability to understand and solve complex problems. This is where the film transcends the typical portrayal, and it allows for moments of humor, tenderness, and genuine emotional connection. The film goes beyond simply showing an autistic character; it puts the audience into his world.
The Buddy Cop Dynamic and the Celebration of Difference
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Accountant 2” is the relationship between Christian and his younger brother, Braxton, played by Jon Bernthal. This dynamic offers a refreshing take on the classic buddy-cop trope. Braxton, the picture of a man’s man mercenary, encourages Christian to socialize, helps him understand and navigate the neurotypical world, and offers unwavering support. This relationship becomes a powerful testament to the importance of acceptance, understanding, and the bonds of brotherhood. The film celebrates the beauty of their differences and demonstrates that connection can be found in the most unexpected places. The scenes between Affleck and Bernthal are a highlight of the film, filled with witty banter, genuine affection, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Where does their connection come from? They bond through shared experiences and a deep understanding of each other’s struggles. The film also creates heartwarming scenes through the brothers’ shared experiences. One such scene involves them at a honky-tonk L.A. saloon, where Christian finds himself mesmerized by, then memorizing, the line-dancing steps, then joining in beside the hot waitress he awkwardly hit on. Their relationship is a cornerstone of the film’s success, showing that autism is not a barrier to love, connection, and belonging.
The Savant, the Professor, and the Power of Imagination
“The Accountant 2” further expands its exploration of autism by introducing a secondary villain, an acquired savant, and by developing the character of Justine, Christian’s childhood friend. The film creates a world where autistic traits are not just accepted but celebrated, and where imagination is a powerful tool. The film is not without its flaws, and the critic’s assessment of the movie being mean-spirited and badly shot schlock is partly true. But at the risk of corniness, “The Accountant 2” empowers, offering a thrilling vision of autists and their abilities. The film reimagines these characters and their relationship in a way that is both fun and thought-provoking, underscoring the importance of accepting and embracing differences.
The secondary villain’s journey is a powerful exploration of how autism can manifest and the importance of the character’s journey. Christian’s childhood friend, Justine, is the Professor X of sorts, running Christian’s international spy rig from the home for autistic children her father founded. This is autism as shōnen anime—a power fantasy, with autism supercharged and wielded by the neurodivergent to run loops around what Justine calls “the NTs” (neurotypicals) and/or “normies”. The film’s unwieldiness and oddity feel recognizably autistic in its methods of hyper-imagination.
Conclusion: An Unconventional Victory for Autistic Representation
“The Accountant 2” is not a perfect film, nor does it claim to be. It has its share of clichés and moments of over-the-top action. However, its significance lies in its willingness to engage with the complexities of autism, moving away from stereotypical representations and embracing the diversity of the autistic experience. The film’s success lies in its celebration of differences and its ability to portray autistic individuals as complex, multi-faceted people with unique strengths and vulnerabilities. The film embraces the idea of autistic super-powered individuals as a way to engage the audience in a fun and imaginative manner. It empowers autistic viewers to see themselves reflected on screen, not as victims or burdens, but as heroes and survivors. And in the end, that’s what makes “The Accountant 2” a genuinely thrilling and meaningful cinematic experience.