An open-hearted, engaging documentary that follows the lives of a group of young autistic kids for the 18 months leading up to them placing out of a special needs school at age 21, Best Kept Secret is a movie that flirts with heartbreak and despair while also showcasing — in the form of both struggling yet involved parents as well as its strong, crusading teacher protagonist — the better angels of human nature. In telling a more compact, focused story than recent, similarly themed nonfiction feature The United States of Autism, the film packs an undeniable emotional punch, throwing a spotlight on characters one won’t soon forget. For the full, original review, from ShockYa, click here; for more information on the film, which opens today in New York City at the IFC Center and in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, click here to visit its website. (Argot Pictures, unrated, 85 minutes)
