Gabrielle (2013 film)

She is a member of The Muses of Montreal, a musical choir for people with disabilities, at the Recreational Centre, and meets a fellow singer named Martin, with whom she develops a relationship.

Director Louise Archambault said the story was inspired by an intellectually disabled neighbour who shared a swimming pool with her, and required help in the change room.

"[1] The filmmakers drew the cast of the film from a real life choir for people with disabilities in Montreal, including star Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who has Williams syndrome and sang in Les Muses.

[5] The filmmakers also sought a man with disabilities to play Martin, but did not feel they could find someone to portray a believable romance with Marion-Rivard, and cast experienced actor Alexandre Landry.

The website's critical consensus states: "Bolstered by strong, natural performances, Gabrielle's sincere look at differently abled young adults nimbly walks the line between sweet and cloying".

[10] Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

[11] In Canada, The Globe and Mail's Liam Lacey gave the film three stars, calling it "a big-hearted drama" though lacking subtlety.

[15] Jay Weissberg, writing for Variety, called the film "uplifting," and said it was particularly great for its handling of sex and people with disabilities.

[16] Betsy Sharkey of The Los Angeles Times wrote Marion-Rivard gave the film credibility and it was difficult to deny the enjoyment of the experience.