Director: Kyra Bartley
Stars: Hope Day, Jeremy Irons, Liv Tyler
Synopsis: Before you read anything from searching the internet, discover the extraordinary potential of your dyslexic mind.
There’s a fine line between informative and overwhelming when it comes to documentaries tackling complex subjects, but What Is Dyslexia? manages to strike a thoughtful balance. This is a short animation film that aims to educate without lecturing, and for the most part, it succeeds, offering a clear, engaging look at a condition that is often misunderstood, oversimplified, or quietly ignored.
Led by Jeremy Irons and Liv Tyler, the animation uses a mix of personal stories, expert insight, and accessible explanations to unpack what dyslexia actually is, and, just as importantly, what it isn’t. From the outset, there’s a conscious effort to move away from outdated stereotypes. Dyslexia is not framed as a limitation in intelligence, but as a different way of processing information, one that can present challenges in traditional learning environments while also fostering unique strengths.
Jeremy Irons brings a measured, authoritative presence to the film, guiding viewers through the more technical aspects without making them feel dense or inaccessible. Meanwhile, Liv Tyler adds a warmth that helps keep the tone inviting. Together, they strike a balance between seriousness and approachability, which feels essential for a subject like this. There’s a young girl’s voice from Hope Day, which brings the animation back to the reality that if we help people when they’re young, their lives will be changed for the better.
The animation used is incredibly sweet – by that I mean it’s playful, easy to understand and evokes an emotional response. We watch a young girl move through a dreamlike sequence into space. Accompanied by an original song by Ted Griggs, the lyrics are very poignant.
What I found particularly effective is how the film centers on lived experience. It gives space to individuals, young people, adults, and educators who speak candidly about navigating a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind. A lot of people involved in this short film are dyslexic thinkers, which adds to the authenticity of this piece.
Structurally, there’s a clear intention to make the information digestible, particularly for audiences encountering the topic for the first time. In that sense, it works well as an entry point. That said, this type of short animation occasionally plays it a little safe. A short film can only do so much in the time it has, and this doesn’t dig as deeply as it could into the broader issues, such as gaps in educational support or the long-term impact of late diagnosis. There’s a sense that it prioritizes accessibility over complexity, which is understandable, but it does leave some areas feeling slightly underexplored. But maybe that’s the job for a feature-length documentary.
What is most effective in What Is Dyslexia? is its tone. It’s not a film trying to alarm or overwhelm, but one that encourages understanding. There’s an emphasis on empathy, on recognizing the frustration, yes, but also the resilience and adaptability that often come with navigating dyslexia. Importantly, this short gently highlights the idea that support and awareness can make a significant difference. Small changes in teaching methods, in workplace expectations, in general attitudes, can have a lasting impact. It’s a message that feels both hopeful and practical.
What Is Dyslexia? may not be the most in-depth exploration of the subject, but it is an effective and thoughtful one. It opens the door to a conversation that still feels overdue in many spaces, and it does so with clarity, care, and a genuine desire to inform.
