This is a 2019 comedy-drama film, directed by Richard Wong about three men with physical disabilities who go on a secret trip to a brothel in Canada to lose their virginity. It is currently available on Netflix and is loosely based on the Belgian film Hasta La Vista that was itself based a BBC documentary about three British physically disabled men who did visit a brothel in Spain. However, this film is now so fictionalized I would merely say it was inspired by true events.

In this film, two of the men are in their twenties. One has a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita that fixes your joints in a fixed or bent condition restricting its movement. Alas, it is a condition I am all to aware of myself and the main character Scotty’s limbs are all affected, just like myself. In other reviews, he has been called paraplegic, but this is not correct as he has full sensation throughout his body. He uses an electric wheelchair to get around. This is the first and almost certainly the last time I will see someone with my condition in a film. My condition is quite rare, especially for those severely affected so this is not something I personally find problematic.

Scotty is a bit on the ratty side and perhaps self centred. The other characters tell him his biggest problem is his personality and not his disability in getting laid.

Then there is Matt, who is paraplegic. He does have a girlfriend and a pretty one at that, at the start of the film but that abruptly ends. Just as well for the sake of the film but still for me this leaves more questions than answers. How long were they together? Did she know him before his accident? He has a strict Asian father, who is overly controlling

Finally, there is Mo who is visually impaired and the the most kind and considerate of the three. He’s far too close to his mother though, and only goes when he receives her blessing.

So, the three of them sneak off one morning with the aid of a nurse who happens to drive a van. We are led to believe that Scotty spends the night in the wheelchair so he can escape first thing in the morning, without the help of his mother. At this point, I know that the film was written by an able bodied person. I have the same disability and it wouldn’t be feasible. He would be in so pain and his feet would be throbbing by the morning. That and the door was closed behind him!

Anyways, liberties are being taken. So what did I think of the film?

I only found it only moderately funny. It felt like there was a thin line. It didn’t want to offend all disabled people by saying this is the only option for sex. Which it isn’t. But the constant qualifications detract from the story.

Mo and the nurse get together. But she is obese and diabetic. A disabled girl at the centre likes Scotty, he now sees her in a new light. Should disabled people stick together for love? Is that the real answer?

Don’t get me wrong, some of the disabled women I know, are the most beautiful women I’ve seen. It’s just that you should love who you love.

I’d give this film three stars out of 5

So, both films were inspired by a BBC film called For One Night only. Asta Philpot who has Arthrogryposis (he was consulted for the film and undoubtedly led to Scotty having the same condition) and lost his virginity in a legal Spanish brothel brings two other disabled men on the same journey. I’d give the documentary five stars.

As an update Mr Philpot states on his website that he is now more interested in looking for love, perhaps showing the whole thing for the pyrrhic victory some consider it to be.