Rhys Chapman’s short film Ryan Can’t Read stands out for its simplicity and honesty. It’s not the flashiest film you’ll see, but that’s part of its charm. Rhys Chapman’s direction feels personal — there’s a rawness to it, as if we’re getting a peek inside the lives of people who are often overlooked.
It’s not the flashiest film you’ll see, but that’s part of its charm.
The story of Ryan (Lewis Ian Bray) struggling with literacy, and Tyrone (James Nelson-Joyce) stepping in to help, could’ve been heavy-handed or overly sentimental. But Chapman keeps it grounded. The pacing is steady, and he never rushes things. It’s the little moments — Ryan trying to read a phrase on the wall, or a quiet conversation between him and Tyrone — that really hit home. There’s a certain authenticity in those scenes, and I can tell that every shot was thought out carefully to bring you into Ryan’s world.
The film relies on close-ups that really pull you into the characters’ emotions. As someone who spent a lot of time focusing on capturing emotions with the lens, I appreciate how Chapman’s camera stays intimate, lingering on faces, letting the moments breathe. You can feel the weight of Ryan’s frustration with each word he stumbles over.
The performances are what you’d expect from talented actors who know how to let the material speak for itself. Lewis Ian Bray gives a standout performance, full of quiet intensity. You can feel Ryan’s isolation, the weight of not being able to read, even though he doesn’t always say it aloud. James Nelson-Joyce plays Tyrone with just the right balance of tough love and patience — it’s a quiet but powerful performance.
Ryan Can’t Read is a simple story, but it’s the kind of story that sticks with you. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the small victories that add up. For anyone who’s struggled with learning, or had someone show them a little kindness, there’s something universal here. It’s the kind of film you don’t forget, because it feels like it’s about someone you know. And in today’s world, that’s something rare.
It’s the kind of film you don’t forget, because it feels like it’s about someone you know. And in today’s world, that’s something rare.
Mark Jacob
