When Siân Heder's CODA made history by winning three Oscars in 2022, it put a spotlight on the Deaf community in a way Hollywood rarely achieves. Now, Heder is using that momentum to champion another underrepresented group with her latest film, Being Heumann, which tells the inspiring true story of disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film boasts the largest ensemble of disabled actors in Hollywood history, surpassing the record set nearly a century ago by the controversial Freaks.
At the heart of the film is BAFTA nominee Ruth Madeley, who delivers a tour-de-force performance as Heumann. Madeley brings a perfect blend of passion, wit, and vulnerability to the role, creating a layered portrait of a woman who led the longest sit-in at a federal building in American history to demand accessibility and equal rights. Mark Ruffalo co-stars as Joseph A. Califano Jr., the US Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, who becomes the target of Heumann's relentless advocacy. Ruffalo's portrayal is nuanced, making Califano a complex figure rather than a one-dimensional villain.
In a recent interview, the trio opened up about the film's groundbreaking approach to disability representation, its unflinching look at romance and sexuality, and the surprising real-life drama Heder uncovered while researching the story.
Two Disabled Women, Two Different Perspectives
One of the film's most powerful elements is the friendship between Judy and her fellow activist Kitty, played by Madeline Delp. Madeley explained that the dynamic is so authentic because it defies the common trope of a single disabled character representing all disabilities. "There's beauty in having two disabled women on screen who don't agree," she said. "The world assumes that because they're both wheelchair users, they'll have the same perspective, but Siân brilliantly shows that's not the case." Their disagreements, particularly in a heated confrontation, highlight the diversity of thought within the disability community and ultimately strengthen their resolve to work together for change.
A 50-Year-Old Love Triangle Revealed
Heder also delved into the film's candid portrayal of romance and sexuality, which was inspired by real events. "Jim was really sleeping around in that building," she revealed, referring to Judy's boyfriend during the protest. When Heder interviewed other protesters, she discovered that Jim had been involved with multiple women in the building. "I had to go back and confront Judy," Heder laughed. "She was like, 'No, I have to call Lynette!'" The revelation, which Heder calls "the love triangle bomb," adds a layer of human complexity to the historical narrative.
For Heder, the sit-in was more than a political act; it was a cultural awakening. "These were young people in a counterculture movement," she explained. "They were experimenting with drugs and sex for the first time. For many disabled people, this was their rumspringa—a taste of freedom they'd never had." The film captures that spirit, showing how the protest became a transformative experience that no one wanted to end, even after they had won.
Being Heumann is now streaming on Apple TV+, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in stories that challenge the status quo. For more on the film's impact, check out our look at overlooked Apple TV gems and upcoming Apple TV releases.
