More than the sum of its parts.

A film about an autistic mathematics prodigy, this British-made drama from debut director Morgan Matthews could so easily be a pint-sized Rain Man. Luckily, there’s not a casino in sight; nor does protagonist Nathan Ellis (Asa Butterfieldཧ) mutter seer-like statements about Qantas never crashing.

Inspired by Matthews’ 2007 documentary Beautiful Young Minds, X+Y doesn’t try to ever single out Nathan or his compatriots asꦓ freakish. Indeed, after a viscerally shot car accident, it’s not hard to understand why this young chap becomes emotiona🎀lly marooned, unable to bond with even his mother Julie (Sally Hawkins).

Matthews deserves praise for his tender approach to both Nathan and his story. Much of this comes through🦄 Rafe Spa🐭ll’s multiple sclerosis-suffering teacher Martin. When he meets Nathan, he spies a chance to nurture the boy, encouraging him to try out for the International Mathematics Olympiad, a competition he once entered before his disease got the better of him.

Nathan flies out to Taipei, where the British team is whittling down their try-outs. At this point, a weaker movie might’ve turned into a sort of Countdown meets Rocky. Thankfully, that doꦗesn’t happen. While Nathan is coming of age in the Far East, there’s a sensitive-yet-credible subplot involving his mother and his tܫeacher, as feelings blossom.

Even if there are times when it drags its feet, X+Y’s modest ambitions are ably fulfilled. Butterfield does a fine job in the lead role, though he’s not the only youngster th൩at impresses. Alex Lawther and Jake Davies, both playing Nathan’s teammates, are also spot-on.