“Because [‘Keep the Change’] deals with the subject of disabilities and specifically autism, people who haven’t yet seen it might dismiss it as a niche film — but it’s not a niche film,” writer-director Rachael Israel said of her feature debut. “To me, this is a full butter popcorn movie: entertaining, moving, and opening up a world that most people have never seen before.” The portal to that world has opened thanks to a newly released trailer for the award-winning rom-com.
The love story kicks off when David (Brandon Polansky) and Sarah
(Samantha Elisof) meet at a support group for adults on the autism spectrum. Whereas David attempts to conceal his disabilities, Sarah lives fearlessly and unapologetically. It’s not long before her carefree attitude starts to rub off on him. “I like her because she’s weird. I’m weird too,” he says in the spot. And Sarah makes her feelings about David crystal clear. With no hint of embarrassment, she tells him, “I really, really want to do it with you because I find you really smokin’ hot and so sexy.”
Israel has been friends with Polansky for well over a decade. “He is on the autism spectrum, and our film’s story was inspired by his real life struggle to find and ultimately maintain romantic love,” she revealed.
“Keep the Change” is based on Israel’s short of the same name. The feature premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it took home the prizes for Best U.S. Narrative Feature and Best Debut.
“Keep the Change” opens in New York March 16 and Los Angeles March 23 with a national rollout to follow.
