Being Heumann Review: Ruth Madeley Shines In A Conventional But Important True-Story Drama [TIFF]

The first feature from director Siân Heder since CODA entertainingly tells the story of an often overlooked civil rights activist.

Published Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 AM EDT

Josh is a film critic and journalist with over nine years of experience in the entertainment industry. Entering the field at just 17 years old, Josh went on to make his own website, The HoloFiles, and social media brand Star Wars Holocron, the most followed Star Wars fan account on Twitter/X.

A member of both the Chicago Indie Critics and the Hollywood Critics Alliance, Josh has covered major industry events including Star Wars Celebration and, most recently, CinemaCon for ScreenRant. His work has appeared in outlets such as Game Rant and Comic Book Resources (CBR), and he has been featured in publications including the BBC and The New York Times.

Among the major film studios and streaming services, Apple has quietly built one of the more ambitious slates. The company set a record to acquire CODA out of Sundance, and won the Oscar for Best Picture for their troubles, and also backed projects like Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Joseph Kosinski’s F1. Apple Original Films has gradually showcased its ability to produce quality projects, often combining prestige filmmaking and mainstream appeal.

Their latest project, Being Heumann, which made its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, hopes to continue that successful balancing act. Directed by Siân Heder, her first feature since CODA, Being Heumann tells the story of Judy Heumann (Ruth Madeley), the iconic disability rights activist who was the mastermind behind the sit-in protest of San Francisco’s Federal Building in 1977.

Joined by a motley crew of fellow protesters, Heumann is pushing for the implementation of Section 504, which declares that disabled individuals have the same rights as able-bodied people. Joining Madeley is Mark Ruffalo as Joseph Califano, a member of the Carter Administration as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Also in the cast are Dylan O’Brien, Madeline Delp, Rob Delaney, Ray Fisher, Daniel Durant, Michael Patrick Thornton, and Russell Harvard.

Being Heumann is propelled forward by a strong narrative that is as compelling as it is informative.

Films like Being Heumann are often defined by how successful they are in balancing education with entertainment. On one hand, the film is making a clear attempt to inform audiences about one of the most influential American activists of the 20th Century, and with that comes obvious responsibility. That rings especially true here, as Heumann has seldom received the same recognition for her contributions as other civil rights figures.

Yet, a true story like this can’t lean into that angle exclusively, or else the film runs the risk of becoming merely a history lesson. It also needs to work as a compelling narrative, with characters that audiences are invested in. Being Heumann gets that balance right. Heder's movie gives viewers a better understanding of the title character and her achievements (and the disability rights movement of the 1970s more broadly), while still ensuring that the story is engaging enough that the educational aspect never completely takes over.

Being Heumann Succeeds By Making Judy Heumann’s Story Compelling

As a result of this successful balancing act, Being Heumann is propelled forward by a strong narrative that is as compelling as it is informative. The film’s pacing is a big part of this, allowing a significant amount of historical context and events to take place without making the story feel overly drawn out. Being brisk overall aids in the entertainment department, as well, though Heder ensures this doesn’t impact the emotional core of the story. The film still effectively shows why Heumann's work mattered, taking the issue of people with disabilities in the United States and turning it into a question of equality.

Despite those strong points, Being Heumann still occasionally falls victim to the familiar conventions of true-story dramas. There are several moments where the screenplay makes the events feel too convenient – Dylan O’Brien’s character is a prime example. He plays Evan White, a reporter who begins by covering the sit-in protest, but then quickly becomes so invested in the cause that he dedicates himself entirely to the movement. He puts his job, his career, and reputation on the line, yet that risk is never really highlighted. As a result, he feels more like a carefully planted story device than a fully fleshed-out character.

Ruth Madeley Elevates Being Heumann Beyond Its Familiar Biopic Formula

Ruth Madeley is integral to the final product. A subpar turn in the lead role would have likely condemned Being Heumann to mediocrity, but this fate is avoided: Madeley delivers a captivating performance, the best of her career thus far. She will be a recognizable figure to those familiar with British television, having appeared in a variety of iconic shows, most recently in Doctor Who. She always excelled in these supporting roles, but Being Heumann gives her an opportunity to thrive in the limelight, and Madeley makes the most of this opportunity.

She plays Heumann as a fiercely determined individual without leaning into cliché. Most importantly, she is able to capture Heumann’s humanity, showcasing not only her leadership abilities, but her short temper as well. Being Heumann may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to films based on true stories, but Madeley plays a huge part in ensuring that the disability rights movement gets the mainstream attention it deserves.

Being Heumann premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. It will be released in select US theaters on November 6, before becoming available to stream on Apple TV on November 13.