We all want to have a chance to succeed in the world. For some, it’s a matter of applying themselves. For others, they need the opportunity to be on equal footing. And sometimes, that requires years of patience and fighting.

Judy Heumann was someone who understood patient fighting. As a disabled woman living in America in the 1970s, it wasn’t easy to find a path to participate in society. But the passage of a measure in 1972 offered a glimmer of hope. Yet, years later, it still hadn’t been signed into law. So, she and many of her like-minded friends decided to act.

The new film Being Heumann tells a piece of Judy’s story as she fights for equality. The film opens in New York in 1972 as Judy (Ruth Madeley) is doggedly campaigning for 504 to pass. It does. Flash-forward to 1977 and Judy, now in San Francisco but still advocating, is still waiting for an administration to put it into action. And she, and others, continuously call government offices to get justice.

The man under the gun is Joseph Califano (Mark Ruffalo), who has been in his position just over two months and is getting plenty of pressure from both parties to make significant changes without spending money. He recognizes what 504 means to people with disabilities. He also recognizes what it means to the government—billions of dollars in renovations to every government facility within 60 days of signing it. It’s the reason previous administrations passed the buck.

But Judy and her friends are tired of waiting and tired of passively campaigning. They stage a sit in at an office in San Francisco and other offices around the country. All of it gains national attention, thanks in part to the work of reporter Evan White (Dylan O’Brien), as they fight to get equality signed into law.

This film comes from Sian Heder, who previously helmed CODA, a Best Picture winner for Apple TV. She has a knack for capturing the stories of people who, despite disabilities, are an active and vibrant part of what makes our country special. That’s certainly the case with Being Heumann, which focuses on Judy but also tells the varied stories of others for whom 504 represents a chance at education and participation in the world in a meaningful way.

I liked the period setting and elements in film. The look of the film is solid as it captures the late 1970s style and feel of the country. It helps transport you back to that time, while still focusing on the central story.

In Madeley, the film finds a compelling lead. She does a nice job of being the focus and bringing Judy to life. I also thought Ruffalo, O’Brien, Rob Delaney, and Jon Beavers, among others, do a nice job in supporting roles.

This is an interesting story and an interesting piece of history. It wasn’t a story or struggle I knew much about, so I appreciated learning more about the struggle and passion of those that helped shape a brighter future for disabled individuals. The film moves at a decent pace and makes for an inspirational watch. It doesn’t reach the heights of Heder’s previous film, but it’s a solid addition to the 2026 landscape.

Being Heumann is in limited theatrical release now and streams on Apple TV starting Friday, November 13.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.