“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a heartfelt and deeply moving tribute to an actor who transcended his on-screen heroism to become a real-life symbol of strength and perseverance. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the documentary captures the full scope of Christopher Reeve’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame as the definitive Superman, the tragedy of his life-altering accident, and the inspiring aftermath that saw him become a champion for disability rights and stem cell research. This is a beautifully executed documentary that is a moving tribute to Reeve’s life and legacy.
Through the use of intimate footage of Reeve, his family, and his close circle of friends (including Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, and Robin Williams), the film reveals a man whose legacy reaches far beyond the cinematic portrayal of a superhero. Bonhôte and Ettedgui skillfully highlight how Reeve’s unbreakable spirit carried him through the darkest period of his life, focusing not only on his personal resilience but also on his transformation into a passionate advocate for the disabled community.
This is a journey marked by both incredible success and heartbreaking tragedy, and the documentary doesn’t shy away from all that Reeve and his family lost after the accident. It also tells his life story through a mostly career-angled lens. Giving viewers a sense of his incredible talent, the film showcases Reeve’s early years as an unknown actor and his rise to stardom as the iconic Man of Steel in four “Superman” films. These moments feel nostalgic, especially as those were the roles for which he was best known, but the film takes a deeper dive into some of Reeve’s more obscure roles that really display the range of his talent.
The heart of the documentary, however, lies in Reeve’s life after the 1995 horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Using never-before-seen home videos and personal archives, the film gives a raw and touching portrayal of his struggles (as well as an incredible determination) in the face of immense physical limitations. The mental toll from the tragedy impacted his family and friends, too, yet Reeve never seemed to lose his sense of humor and joy.
The final portion of the documentary is dedicated to Reeve’s journey from beloved movie star to advocate for disability rights and spinal cord research, and it’s inspiring how he continued to impact the world even from a wheelchair. His fight for advocacy was heroic, much like a real-life Superman. It’s moving to see the tireless efforts he took to raise awareness and funds for research before his death, which is something his children have since taken on through the creation of The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. This legacy of advocacy is a beautiful display of humanity that celebrates his ongoing impact.
A story about the power of the human spirit, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” paints a loving, comprehensive picture of Reeve’s life, career, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. This is an inspirational portrait of an extraordinary man who became a symbol of hope and resilience for so many.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 
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