Is Gigi and Nate a True Story? The Ending Explained

Gigi and Nate Movie

“Gigi & Nate” is a 2022 American drama film directed by Nick Hamm and written by David Hudgins. Loosely based on an organization that paired monkeys with disabled individuals for assistance, the film was released on September 2, 2022, in the United States by Roadside Attractions. Principal photography began on March 29, 2021, in Los Angeles, with additional filming in North Carolina.

The cast includes Marcia Gay Harden, Charlie Rowe, Josephine Langford, Zoe Colletti, Hannah Alligood, Jim Belushi, and Diane Ladd. Despite its release alongside “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.,” “Gigi & Nate” performed poorly at the box office, earning $990,279 in its opening weekend and a total of $1.3 million over the four-day Labor Day frame.

Is Gigi and Nate a True Story?

“Gigi & Nate” is based on a true story, in reality, there are individuals named Gigi (Kasey) and Nate (Ned Sullivan), but the film “Gigi & Nate” diverges from their real-life story. The movie alters or excludes many significant facts, particularly regarding how Nate/Ned became disabled.

In the film, Nate becomes paralyzed due to meningitis, while in real life, Ned was paralyzed in a near-fatal car accident at the age of 22. This distinction may appear minor, but the cause of disability significantly influences a person’s experiences and plays a vital role in character development both on and off-screen.

The actor Charlie Rowe, who portrays Nate in the film, is not disabled. This raises an important issue regarding the representation of disabled characters in the entertainment industry.

There are numerous talented disabled actors who face challenges in obtaining roles, often being overlooked in favor of non-disabled actors, even when they may be better suited for the part. Authentic representation would involve disabled individuals playing disabled characters. It’s worth reflecting on the prevalence of non-disabled actors portraying disabled characters in movies, such as Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything” or Bryan Cranston in “The Upside”.

Gigi and Nate Plot 

In the fictional town of Happy Days, North Carolina, Nate Gibson contracts bacterial meningitis after diving into a lake during a Fourth of July party. This leaves him quadriplegic and with a grim prognosis. Nate’s mother, Claire, insists on transferring him to a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. After four challenging years in Nashville, Nate survives but falls into a deep depression and attempts suicide.

Claire reaches out to Cebus, an organization that trains service animals, and they provide Nate with a capuchin monkey named Gigi to aid in his recovery. Surprisingly, Gigi becomes a source of motivation for Nate, assisting him with rehabilitation exercises.

However, when video footage of Gigi and Nate together at a local store and a party surfaces, an animal rights group called Americans For Animal Protection (AFAP) stages a protest outside the Gibson family’s home. AFAP aims to make it illegal for capuchin monkeys to be service animals.

Despite initial doubts, Nate’s sister, Annabelle, joins his side after witnessing their strong bond. Unfortunately, the ruling favors AFAP with a 2-1 vote, forcing Nate to part ways with Gigi. While discarding Gigi’s cage, Nate’s grandmother realizes that North Carolina permits capuchin monkeys as service animals. As a result, the family decides to move back to North Carolina.

During a Fourth of July barbecue at their new home, Nate reveals that he has been granted a full-ride acceptance to college, where he can have Gigi as his service animal.

Gigi and Nate Cast

Gigi and Nate Ending Explained

“Gigi & Nate” had the potential to explore various aspects of humanity, such as the clash between mental resilience and despair, activism versus individual needs, and more. However, the film falls short of utilizing these themes effectively. Director Nick Hamm relies heavily on the actors to bring depth to an uninspiring script, but even their efforts are unable to lift the messy narrative and transform it into a compelling story of humanity and hope.

The film “Gigi & Nate” experiences a significant shift in tone from its beginning to its end, making it challenging to view it as a cohesive whole. The initial part of the film portrays a genuine portrayal of human determination, while the latter half introduces a controversial issue, attempting to add drama.

However, the film fails to effectively convey a clear message about the topic, leaving it feeling contrived and lacking natural plot progression. Although there is an attempt to inspire, by the conclusion of the film, it becomes exhausting and undermines the narrative.

How to Watch Gigi and Nate?

Theater Release: If the film is still playing in theaters, you can check local listings to find a theater near you where it is being screened. Look for the movie title, “Gigi & Nate,” and the showtimes to plan your visit.

Streaming Platforms: Keep an eye on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ as they occasionally acquire the rights to stream movies. Search for “Gigi & Nate” on these platforms, and if it becomes available, you can stream it online with a subscription.

DVD/Blu-ray Release: Look for the film’s DVD or Blu-ray release. Once it’s available, you can purchase or rent a physical copy from retail stores or online platforms like Amazon or Best Buy. Check for the release date and search for “Gigi & Nate” on these platforms to find the movie in the appropriate format.

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