The film, impressively directed by Joe Wright with a screenplay by Susannah Grant, is based on the book by Lopez. Ayers lives on skid row and gives the impression of any lost soul you might see pushing around a shopping cart with his belongings. Lopez discovers him playing a two string violin. Eventually the writer learns that Ayers was a brilliant student at Julliard, who idolizes Beethoven and is an extraordinary cellist.

But as anyone who has ever had contact with someone mentally disturbed must know, the desire to help is more easily said than accomplished. The friendship becomes frayed when Lopez pushes beyond what Ayers is ready to do. There is a disastrous scene when a concert is attempted. Ayers is more comfortable in his street environment than elsewhere, and as hard as he tries in order to please, he is shown as hardly ready for prime time.

The drama lies in the challenge and the difficulty, as well as in the personal bond that develops and is severely tested. There is also the “true story” value. The film doesn’t try to candy coat reality, which is a plus with respect to integrity, but a minus in the sense that the tale makes for unsettling viewing as well as providing a much-needed dose of uplift.