‘Being Heumann’ Review: Siân Heder’s ‘CODA’ Follow-Up Is an Essential Biopic That’s Not Afraid to Have Some Fun

Director Siân Heder has premiered her latest film, 'Being Heumann,' at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where the movie served as the opening feature. The film is a biographical drama starring Ruth Madeley and focuses on the historical protests that initiated the disabled-rights revolution. By recounting these specific disability rights protests, Heder aims to make people who have been historically invisible visible within the cinematic landscape. The production marks the director's first feature film since her work on 'CODA,' returning her to the spotlight with a project centered on accessibility and advocacy. Coverage of the premiere is widespread but divided in its critical assessment. Variety describes the film as a bold, stirring, and crowd-pleasing dramatization of the rights movement, while IndieWire labels it an essential biopic that incorporates elements of fun.

Conversely, The Guardian characterizes the drama as well-intentioned but clunky, and The Daily Beast offers a more severe critique, calling the work a cliché-filled mess. Despite these differing opinions, outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter highlight the performance of Ruth Madeley, describing the resulting bio-drama as moving. Contextually, the film is being positioned as more than just a narrative piece. According to reports from AP News, 10TV, and WFLA, Heder believes that the success of her previous film, 'CODA,' failed to fundamentally change Hollywood's broader attitude or systemic approach toward people with disabilities. This perceived lack of industry progress provides the backdrop for 'Being Heumann,' as Heder hopes this new project can achieve the institutional shift that 'CODA' did not. The film thus serves as both a historical recount of activism and a contemporary challenge to the film industry's current standards.

Moving forward, observers will be monitoring the reception of the film as it exits TIFF. The primary point of interest remains whether Heder's goal of changing Hollywood's attitude toward the disabled will be realized through this project. Given the divergence in reviews—ranging from 'essential' to a 'mess'—the industry response to Ruth Madeley's performance and the film's portrayal of the disability rights revolution will likely dictate its trajectory. Future coverage is expected to focus on the film's ability to translate its bold themes into lasting influence within the studio system.