Exploring the Incredible True Story Behind Patrice: The Movie Streaming on Hulu

Patrice: The Movie is a distinctive documentary that describes itself as a “documentary romantic comedy.”It first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8 and later on Hulu on September 30, 2024, expanding its unique narrative to a broader audience.

Directed by Ted Passon, known for Philly D.A., this documentary is produced by ABC News Studios and All Ages Productions, along with ESS Projects and Cedar Road. The film immerses viewers in the life of Patrice Jetter, a disabled woman from New Jersey, who aspires to marry her partner, Garry Wickham.

However, the couple faces a unsettling reality where marrying could jeopardize their Social Security disability benefits and Medicaid support. Patrice: The Movie captures Patrice’s battles with these systemic challenges, highlighting the inadequacies in recognizing the rights of those with disabilities.

The Intriguing True Narrative Behind Hulu’s Patrice: The Movie

Filmmaker Ted Passon has had a friendship with Patrice Jetter for over 30 years. Patrice is not only a Special Olympics athlete and a disability rights advocate but also works as a school crossing guard. Notably, her specific disability is not disclosed in the documentary. The romantic essence of the film quickly emerges as viewers meet Patrice’s long-term boyfriend, Garry Wickham, who has cerebral palsy.

As Patrice and Garry, both in their 50s, contemplate marriage and cohabitation, they are confronted with the harsh reality that proceeding with their plans could lead to the loss of vital Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Their predicament arises from a joint asset cap of $3,000 to qualify for SSI, which would be exceeded if they were to marry. A disability rights attorney cautions them that their support payments could diminish, even if they merely intend to live together.

The documentary reveals that these asset laws stem from a historical context in which many individuals with disabilities lived in institutions and were not anticipated to marry or seek productive employment. One of their friends, Elizabeth Dicker, poignantly asks:

“If two people are having Medicaid benefits, and then those two people get married and then they just don’t lose their benefits, how is the government making or losing any money?”

Patrice: The Movie aims to challenge these outdated laws and shed light on the broader political and legal complexities that impede the lives of disabled individuals. The documentary also showcases that the legal and political obstacles are not the only challenges faced by Patrice and Garry.

When they opt for a commitment ceremony, Patrice’s wheelchair-accessible van breaks down, forcing her to resign from a job she fought hard to secure. The film emphasizes this dilemma, as her need to replace the van clashes with the requirement to keep her bank balance below $2,000 to retain her disability benefits.

While the documentary addresses the oppressive disability rights laws that hinder their marriage, the central theme remains their enduring love. Patrice and Garry continue to support one another and tackle challenges one step at a time.

Patrice: The Movie is currently available for streaming on Hulu.

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