Watch The Drummer and the Keeper

The Drummer and the Keeper is a heartwarming coming-of-age movie that explores the friendship between two individuals from different backgrounds who find solace in each other's company. The film, directed by Nick Kelly, was released in 2017 and has garnered critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of mental health and the power of human connection.

The story revolves around Gabriel (Dermot Murphy), a talented drummer struggling with bipolar disorder, and Christopher (Jacob McCarthy), a young man with Aspergers who is obsessed with football. The two meet in a psychiatric hospital where Gabriel has been admitted following a manic episode.

Initially, Gabriel is dismissive of Christopher, who he sees as socially awkward and disinterested in anything other than football. But as the two start spending more time together, Gabriel begins to appreciate Christopher's unwavering loyalty and his ability to see the beauty in the simple things in life.

Despite their differences, the two find common ground in their love of music and decide to start a band together. This decision is met with some resistance from Gabriel's bandmates, who are worried that his mental health issues will interfere with their chances of success. But with Christopher's unwavering support, Gabriel is able to overcome his doubts and perform with confidence.

The film beautifully captures the bond between Gabriel and Christopher as they navigate the ups and downs of life. As the two grow closer, they help each other confront their own demons and find acceptance in themselves and in each other.

However, as their friendship blossoms, Gabriel is faced with a difficult decision when a job opportunity arises that could jeopardize his newfound stability. Through this struggle, Gabriel is forced to confront the realities of living with a mental health condition and the sacrifices that come with it.

The Drummer and the Keeper is a film that celebrates the diversity of the human experience and the power of friendship to transcend barriers. The performances by both Dermot Murphy and Jacob McCarthy are nuanced and sensitive, capturing the complexities of mental health and neurodiversity with authenticity and empathy.

One of the standout features of the movie is its portrayal of mental illness. The director manages to balance the seriousness of the condition with levity, resulting in a film that is both poignant and uplifting. Gabriel's struggles with bipolar disorder are portrayed with sensitivity and respect, with the filmmakers avoiding cliches and stereotypes.

Overall, The Drummer and the Keeper is a film that explores the universal themes of friendship, acceptance, and the healing power of love. It is a celebration of the beauty that can be found in the midst of chaos and a reminder of the importance of human connection, especially for those who live with mental illness. It is a film that will leave audiences with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of the human experience and the need for empathy in a world that often forgets it.

The Drummer and the Keeper is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.