Watch Wait Up Harriet

Wait Up Harriet is a heartwarming and emotional Australian film from 2006 that tells the story of a young man named Angus (Angus Benfield) who has Down syndrome and his relationship with his neighbor, an elderly woman named Harriet (Lynda Milligan). The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the acceptance of people with disabilities.

Angus is a cheerful, innocent, and kind-hearted young man who lives with his mother in a small Australian town. He has a passion for Elvis Presley and spends much of his time listening to his music and watching his films. Angus is also drawn to Harriet, an old woman who lives alone next door. Harriet is a retired schoolteacher and a bit of a recluse who avoids contact with most people. But Angus sees her differently: he sees a potential friend.

Their friendship begins when Angus knocks on Harriet's door to ask if he can borrow her lawnmower. Harriet is hesitant at first but eventually agrees to help him. From there, the two begin to form a connection that grows stronger over time. Angus becomes a regular visitor to Harriet's home, bringing her gifts, chatting with her, and even teaching her how to dance to Elvis songs.

Harriet begins to open up to Angus, revealing details about her past that she has never shared with anyone. She describes how she had a son with Down syndrome many years ago and was forced to give him up for adoption. This revelation helps Angus realize that he is not alone in the world and that there are others like him who are loved and admired.

As their friendship blossoms, Harriet becomes increasingly protective of Angus. She becomes his advocate when he is bullied by other kids in the neighborhood and takes him on outings to places he has never been before. Angus, in turn, inspires Harriet to come out of her shell and embrace life once again.

The film also tells the story of Angus's relationship with his mother, who is overprotective of him and struggles to let him go. She worries that Harriet will take advantage of Angus or hurt him in some way. But Angus's friendship with Harriet helps him gain independence and confidence, and his mother begins to see that Harriet is a positive influence on her son.

Wait Up Harriet is a beautifully crafted film that is full of heart and soul. The performances by Angus Benfield, Melanie Cannan, and Lynda Milligan are remarkable, and the direction by filmmaker Ben Steel is sensitive and nuanced. The film has a timeless quality to it, and its message about the importance of acceptance and understanding is relevant today as it was when the film was released in 2006.

Overall, Wait Up Harriet is a touching and poignant film that celebrates the power of friendship and the human spirit. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired. It offers a message of hope and reminds us that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are.