Review: Unmasking Autism by Marlow Jean Paniccia

At just 14 years old, Marlow Jean Paniccia has created something remarkable: Unmasking Autism: The Art of Being Different is not just a documentary about autism - it’s a documentary by an autistic teen, told entirely through her own eyes, in her own voice, and on her own terms.

In a media landscape where stories about neurodivergent individuals are too often told by outsiders, this short film is a rare and powerful act of self-representation. Marlow doesn’t just share her story - she invites us into it. With striking honesty and emotional clarity, she recounts the overwhelming pressures of junior high: the sensory overload, the bullying, the isolation, the constant need to mask in order to fit in. We hear the voices in her head, feel the weight of her burnout, and witness the courage it took to step away, heal, and come back stronger.

A brave, intimate, and empowering portrait of life on the spectrum

The film is raw yet thoughtful, simple in its form yet deeply affecting. Shot entirely on an iPhone, it proves that the strength of a story comes from authenticity, not technology. Marlow's passion for drumming becomes both a metaphor and a lifeline - a rhythm that carries her forward and helps her rediscover her voice.

"No more masking. No more walking with my head down", she declares. It’s a line that resonates long after the film ends, encapsulating the spirit of the documentary. Unmasking Autism is for anyone who’s ever been told they don’t belong. It’s for those who’ve felt invisible, unheard, or too different to fit in. Most of all, it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.

Touching, honest, and deeply inspiring, this short film marks the beginning of a promising new voice in documentary filmmaking - and an important one at that.

Watch the trailer:

Follow Marlow's work:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MJPanicci

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjpanicci/

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