Little Man Tate (1991)

In the heart of the city, Dede Tate, a single, uneducated mother from the working class, battles to raise her seven-year-old son, Fred, in their modest apartment. From his infancy, Dede has recognized Fred's extraordinary gifts, surpassing even the most prodigious children. His intuitive genius lies in science and the creative arts, making him a sensitive soul who internalizes his emotions and bears the weight of the world's worries to the point of physical distress. Despite his brilliance, Fred yearns for a simpler life, longing for friendship, an elusive dream at his inner-city school where he is viewed as an outcast. Dede, understanding her son's plight, encourages him to embrace normality, even as she nurtures his intellectual pursuits. Their world shifts when Jane Grierson, from the prestigious Grierson Institute for exceptional children, discovers Fred. Jane, herself once an extraordinary child, offers Fred a place at the Institute and proposes to personally guide him. However, her intense focus on Fred's intellectual growth risks overshadowing the emotional needs of the child within. As Fred makes his first tentative steps towards friendship, he grapples with the complexities of his unique situation, and those around him struggle to comprehend his needs. A silent war begins between Dede and Jane, both driven by their perception of what's best for Fred and their own newly awakened maternal instincts. "Little Man Tate" is a poignant exploration of a child's journey through genius, loneliness, and the quest for normality. The film captures the delicate balance between nurturing exceptional talent and preserving childhood innocence, giving viewers a thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of parenting a prodigy.

Little Man Tate is a drama movie featuring Jodie Foster.

Little Man Tate is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Little Man Tate on AMC on Demand, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.