Far from the Tree

Far from the Tree follows ordinary families as they grow, love, and adapt around children who defy easy labels. Rather than presenting a single diagnosis as destiny, the film threads together intimate portraits of parents whose kids are dealing with Down syndrome, dwarfism, autism and other differences. We see breakfast table negotiations, school meetings, late night worries, and moments of pure pride that illuminate what makes a family whole. Without sermonizing, the documentary explores the grit, humor, and tenderness that come with raising kids who grow on their own terms. Across these stories, joy and struggle circulate, challenging certainties about what it means to belong, care, and dream for a child in communities that sometimes overlook such vibrant differences today.

Released in 2019, the documentary is directed by Rachel Dretzin and draws its core material from Andrew Solomon's book Far from the Tree. It brings personal, unsentimental storytelling to screen, translating complex ideas into intimate family scenes for modern audiences.

Box office data for this documentary isn't widely reported, which is common for many festival and PBS projects. It circulated primarily through screenings and streaming, rather than blockbuster-style grosses. Those numbers, when available, tend to stay modest across the board.

Although not a blockbuster, the film contributes to conversations about disability and family life by foregrounding parents' voices and choices. It invites viewers to reconsider what success looks like for a family and how communities can better support children who grow up differently without reducing their dignity or agency ever.

Critics note the film's candid approach to sensitive topics and its emphasis on ordinary moments that reveal resilience. The central themes revolve around belonging, the social models of disability, and the delicate balance between hopeful aspiration and hard realities in parenting. The result is a thoughtful portrait that invites discussion.