Watch Her Name Is Sabine

Her Name Is Sabine is a deeply personal and intimate documentary that explores the life of Sabine Bonnaire, the younger sister of French actress Sandrine Bonnaire, who directed the film. Sabine was diagnosed with autism as a child in the 1960s, at a time when little was known about the condition and support and understanding were scarce. The film documents Sabine's life from childhood to her adult years, when she is institutionalized due to her condition.

The film opens with footage of Sabine sitting by a window, humming quietly to herself. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, as we see Sabine's quiet and often repetitive routines, which are a source of comfort to her. Through interviews with Sabine, her sisters, and her caregivers, we learn about her experiences growing up, how her condition affected her relationships with others, and how her family struggled to provide care and support for her.

Despite the challenges of living with autism, Sabine is a warm and engaging person. She has a great sense of humor and loves spending time with her family and caregivers. The film offers a window into her world, showing us the things that bring her joy and the activities that she finds soothing. We also see her frustrations and struggles as she tries to communicate with others and make sense of the world around her.

As the film progresses, we see Sabine's health decline. She develops seizures and other health problems, and her behavior becomes more erratic. Her family is forced to make the difficult decision to have her institutionalized, and we see Sabine struggle to adapt to this new environment.

Throughout the film, Sandrine Bonnaire uses a mix of handheld digital cameras and Super 8 footage to capture her sister's life. The result is an intimate and raw portrait of a woman who has often been overlooked and misunderstood. The film eschews traditional documentary conventions, with no voiceover or talking heads. Instead, we are invited to share in Sabine's experiences, to see the world through her eyes.

Her Name Is Sabine is a moving and poignant film that offers a unique perspective on autism and disability. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and compassion. Sandrine Bonnaire has created a beautiful tribute to her sister that is both honest and deeply personal. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in autism, disability, and the human experience.

Her Name Is Sabine is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.