Adam Pearson is funny, electrifying, and emotionally resonant in this deeply personal documentary. Zero Intention of Living Quietly portrays an intimate view into actor and disability advocate, Adam Pearson’s life living with neurofibromatosis (NF1). Director Edward Lovelace takes us from Adam’s hometown of Croydon to his new actor’s life in New York. Transporting us back into his early childhood sees archival footage of young Adam.
We see snippets into his home life. From how Adam’s father inspired him to chase his dreams to how he humorously annoys his mother constantly repeating the line, ‘I coulda been a contender’ – said famously by Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront. Its tone excels at achieving the perfect balance of being serious, entertaining, and emotional.
This life-changing documentary speaks on the stark contrast between how the world sees Adam Pearson and the intelligent warm-hearted, and inspirational character behind-the-scenes. Even for someone who doesn’t often cry during screenings, this documentary will grab your heart and shake it to its core. Its relatability is on another level, and cinema truly doesn’t get more emotional than this.
From his teenage years he performs Avril Lavigne’s iconic noughties hit, Complicated for the school talent show. But all eyes are focused on Adam, from parents to teachers, and students. Although Adam leads with his heart and learns to shut out the opinions of others. In his performance, he lives in the moment and really emotes his words, singing the lines “Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated? / I see the way you’re acting like you’re somebody else / Gets me frustrated.”
Throughout the documentary, Adam wishes everyone saw him as a human being. You want to reach out, grab through the screen, and give him a big hug for what he’s been through and is still going through. Zero Intention of Living Quietly will make you feel and think differently about the world. It’s inspirational, captivating, and is truly a piece of life changing work. But his close connection with young Ellie who also has NF1 brings a rare friendship which you can tell is meant to last a lifetime.
Together they become one another’s rock. Talking through feelings and chatting regularly over Zoom – they share a rare, strong friendship – one which everyone wishes they had too. Their friendship is heart-warming and at times heartbreaking as they try to be strong and powerful together. This is why representation matters. For Adam Pearson to see himself on-screen is a heart-warming achievement and as viewers we connect with him on a personal level wishing for him to succeed at every stage.
Adam’s journey reveals a brave human from the very start. He learns to ignore the hate and see what this vast world around him can offer. Not letting his diagnosis of NF1 stop him doing anything he wishes. However, luckily Lovelace doesn’t allow the viewer to forget the impact films have had on Adam’s life. Cinephiles can connect to this story through Adam’s love of cinema. There are multiple film references spread throughout, especially prominent is an emotional clip of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen to which Adam compares his journey to her story.
Another heartfelt moment in Zero Intention of Living Quietly sees Pearson and Ellie rocking out to High School Musical’s ‘We’re All in This Together’ before she goes on stage. In a ‘history repeats itself’ moment Ellie competes in the school talent show similar to Adam’s ‘Complicated’ school performance. It feels like their journeys are interconnected. We see Ellie struggle at school and much of the second half of the story is focused on her mental health.
Whilst Adam is in America focusing on preparing for his role as Oswald in A Different Man. From posing in-front of cameras with co-stars, Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve to being thrown tough questions by the media in the U.S. – Adam lives a very different life away from his peaceful lifestyle back home in England.
But whilst Adam is experiencing the time of his life, Ellie’s physical and mental health starts to decline. At this turning point in the documentary, it serves to reminds us to listen, care, and check in with others. Despite his busy schedule, Adam’s loyalty to always be there for Ellie carries more weight in his heart than his own career. His selflessness shows that everyone needs to be a bit more ‘Adam Pearson’ in their life.
Lovelace provides an extremely fair and balanced documentary. The director doesn’t shy away from the bad times Adam experiences amongst all his good times and achievements. Amongst the hate and misunderstandings shown by the world over the years, Adam still stands strong. He’s learnt to love himself with the only validation he needs being his very own.
Zero Intention of Living Quietly serves as a calm reminder that whilst everyone is capable of anything and should shout about their achievements, they can still be humble and ultimately human. As Adam’s story proves, we can still achieve everything and be the same person – not letting our journey change our core character values underneath.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, this documentary will likely resonate with you in some way. Edward Lovelace and Adam Pearson are the perfect partnership who tap into the viewers emotions, holding them close, and gripping on tight until the closing credits.
Adam is exactly himself. On-screen his caring, daring, and boldly refreshing personality reflects on our own way of life. We question, could we live out more of our own dreams? Could we all be kinder to each other as we learn to travel on our own journeys? Hopes, dreams, and aspirations can all become a reality if we believe in ourselves… just a little more. And Adam Pearson will make you believe.
Zero Intention of Living Quietly will see its next festival run at DOC NYC.
