The Accountant Franchise Gets Autistic Representation Right

The latest installment of the Accountant franchise, The Accountant 2, has been making waves for its portrayal of autism. While not perfect, the film's depiction of Christian Wolff's (Ben Affleck) autism is a significant step forward in representing neurodivergent characters on screen.

A Warm and Messy Scene

One scene that stands out from the rest of the film is the reunion between Christian and his brother Braxton (played by Jeremy Irvine). The brothers haven't seen each other since the events of the last film, which ended with Christian's promise to keep in contact. As they reunite, Braxton asks Christian if it's because of him or him that Christian doesn't "miss" him. Christian responds gently, "I'm just me." It's a sweet and tender moment that feels refreshingly authentic.

A Power Fantasy with Autism

The Accountant 2 also features a unique secondary villain who is an acquired savant who gained super-autism after a head injury. This character, along with Christian's childhood friend Justine (played by Allison Robertson), runs the international spy rig from the home for autistic children her father founded. It's an odd and over-the-top concept, but one that feels strangely recognizably autistic in its methods of hyper-imagination.

A Fan's Reaction

As an autistic viewer, I was blown away by the film's portrayal of my experiences. The Accountant 2 is not perfect – it has moments of mean-spiritedness and Hollywood treatment of autism – but it's a start. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen and represented on screen. It's not about seeking perfection; sometimes an indulgent fantasy will suffice.

A Message to Neurodivergent Viewers

The Accountant 2 is more than just a film – it's a message to neurodivergent viewers that we exist, we matter, and we deserve representation. As autistic viewers, we often find ourselves chasing the ideal simulacrum of an experience as diverse as it is digressive. But sometimes, all we need is a chance to see ourselves reflected on screen.

A Final Word

So, will I settle for just seeing myself in The Accountant 2? No. I'll take the line dance, the converted Airstream trailer stocked with high-end weaponry and priceless art. And I'll take it because sometimes, an indulgent fantasy is all we need to feel seen and represented.