Any Day Now

In the heart-wrenching drama "Any Day Now," a poignant portrayal of love, acceptance, and determination unfolds as a gay couple struggles to provide a stable and loving home for a young man they've taken in. The film is set in the late 1970s, a time when social attitudes and laws regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and those with intellectual disabilities were starkly different from those of today. At the center of the story is Manny, a mentally handicapped teenager who finds himself abandoned by his family, left to fend for himself in a world that doesn't seem to have a place for him. It's a fate that could have easily led to a life of loneliness and desperation, but fate intervenes in the form of two gay men, Graham and Paul, who become Manny's unlikely guardians. Graham, played by Alan Cumming, and Paul, played by Garret Dillahunt, are a loving couple who have built a life together, free from the prejudice and hostility that many gay men faced during this time. They've created a warm and welcoming home, filled with love and acceptance, but one that is not recognized by the law. Without hesitation, Graham and Paul open their doors to Manny, taking him in as one of their own. They provide him with the love, care, and stability he so desperately needs, and in doing so, create a makeshift family unit that is as much their own as it is Manny's. The three become inseparable, sharing in the joys and struggles of everyday life, and slowly but surely, they become a family in every sense of the word. However, their unconventional living arrangement soon attracts the attention of the authorities, who are determined to reunite Manny with his biological family. Graham and Paul, aware that the system may not have their best interests at heart, decide to fight for their rights as Manny's guardians, and ultimately, for the right to adopt him as their own. As the story unfolds, Graham and Paul face a gauntlet of bureaucratic hurdles, each one designed to undermine their relationship and the family they've built. They encounter a system that is hostile, insensitive, and often cruel, leaving them to question whether their love and commitment will be enough to overcome the obstacles in their path. Throughout the film, the performances of Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahunt shine, bringing depth and nuance to the complex and multifaceted characters they portray. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their love for one another is a beacon of hope in a world that often seemed determined to deny them their rights. But "Any Day Now" is not just a love story; it's a powerful exploration of the human spirit, and the lengths to which people will go to protect and care for those they love. It's a testament to the power of acceptance and the resilience of the human heart, even in the face of adversity. The film also shines a light on the struggles faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the ways in which they are often marginalized and excluded from society. Manny, though played by actor Isaac Leyva, is more than just a symbol or a plot device; he's a fully realized character, with hopes, dreams, and desires that are as valid and important as anyone else's. As the story reaches its climax, Graham and Paul face a daunting legal battle, pitting themselves against a system that seems determined to tear them apart. But they refuse to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and their love for Manny becomes the catalyst for a victory that is as much about them as it is about him. In the end, "Any Day Now" is a film that will leave you smiling, even as it tugs at your heartstrings. It's a celebration of love, acceptance, and the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.