Come As You Are

Three young men with very different bodies and hopes meet on the road under the pretense of a wine tasting tour. Philip is blind, Lars uses a wheelchair, and Jozef is paralyzed from the waist down. Their plan is simple in intent: escape the constraints of youth and experience the thrill of romance and independence by taking a trip to Spain. What begins as a playful expedition soon tests loyalty, courage, and the bonds of friendship as they navigate airports, hotels, and the humor of everyday life while leaning on each other. The film blends warmth with blunt humor, never treating disability as a punchline. Their missteps, humor and stubborn affection turn the plan into a quiet coming of age.

Released in 2011, it was directed by Geoffrey Enthoven. The film is based on an original screenplay by Asta Philpot, Mariano Vanhoof and Pierre De Clercq, with Robrecht Vanden Thoren, Gilles De Schryver and Tom Audenaert in lead roles worldwide.

Box office revenue reported was $268,401, reflecting a modest footprint outside its home market while still signaling festival friendly appeal. The film found audiences in arthouse cinemas and among genre fans curious about disability driven humor worldwide and beyond globally.

The movie contributed to a growing conversation about disability in European cinema by pairing a road trip with candid humor and heart. It sparked discussions about independence, care, and sexuality, showing disabled characters as fully rounded people rather than props. It also resonated with many viewers in broader audiences worldwide.

Critics generally welcomed the film for its warm performances, natural humor, and humane portrayal of friendship. Major themes include self determination, mutual support, and finding romance without pity, as three friends redefine what it means to live boldly on their own terms. Critics worldwide noted its balance and critics alike.