Standout: The Ben Kjar Story is a deeply moving documentary that tells a powerful story about resilience, identity, and what it means to live in a world that often judges difference too quickly.
The film follows Ben Kjar, who was born with Crouzon Syndrome, and traces his journey from a childhood marked by surgeries and bullying to becoming a successful athlete and confident adult. While the structure of the film feels familiar at times, its emotional honesty helps it stand apart.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is how it handles the subject of disability and visible difference. Rather than reducing Ben’s experience to the usual cliched narratives about overcoming adversity, it shows the ongoing emotional challenges of growing up looking different.
Director Tanner Christensen doesn’t shy away from the broaching the pain Ben had to go through to get to where he is today. There are difficult moments involving isolation, cruel treatment from peers, and the psychological toll of always being noticed.
At the same time, the documentary highlights how Ben gradually reframes his difference as part of his identity rather than something to hide. Wrestling becomes a key turning point in his life, giving him a space where he can be judged for his ability rather than his appearance.
Emotionally, the film is at its strongest when focusing on relationships. Ben’s family who all appear as talking heads in the film, particularly his parents, provide a foundation of support that feels essential to his journey. Later, his relationship with his wife adds another layer, especially as they confront fears about the future and building a family. These personal elements give the story depth and prevent it from feeling one-dimensional.
However, the film does follow a somewhat predictable documentary formula. Some sections feel a bit repetitive and little too artificial. While this doesn’t take away from the impact entirely, it does stop the film from reaching a higher level of originality.
Overall, Standout is a heartfelt and accessible documentary that delivers an important message about embracing difference.
