If you were scrolling through Netflix or browsing a bargain bin in 2011, you might have missed it. Most people did. But That’s What I Am is one of those rare mid-budget dramas that actually has something to say without sounding like a Hallmark card. It’s set in 1965, a time of massive social upheaval, yet it shrinks that chaos down to the size of a California junior high school.
The movie stars Ed Harris as Mr. Simon. He’s the teacher we all wanted but probably didn't deserve. He’s the kind of guy who doesn't just teach English; he teaches how to be a person. Honestly, Harris is the only reason the film doesn't veer into "after-school special" territory. He grounds it.
What is the movie actually about?
At its core, That's What I Am is a story about the "Big G." That stands for Ginger, specifically Stanley "Ginger" Nichol. He’s the kid every school has—the one who is different, the one who is picked on, the one who seems to carry a heavy secret just by existing. The protagonist, Andy Nichol (played by Chase Ellison), is a "middle-of-the-road" kid. He’s not a bully, but he’s not a hero either. He just wants to survive 8th grade without being noticed.
Then Mr. Simon pairs them up for a project.
It's a classic setup. Two kids who shouldn't be friends are forced together. But the movie does something interesting with the 1960s setting. It isn't just about big historical events like the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam War. It's about the small-scale prejudice that happens in suburban hallways. People start whispering about Mr. Simon. They start questioning his personal life. Why? Because in 1965, being "different" was a death sentence for a career.
The film was produced by WWE Studios. Yes, you read that right. The wrestling company. This was during a period where they were trying to branch out into serious drama. While they gave us some weird projects, this one actually landed. It even features Randy Orton in a supporting role as a bigoted father. Surprisingly, he’s pretty good at being a jerk on screen.
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Why "That's What I Am" feels different from other dramas
Most coming-of-age movies are obsessed with romance or grand gestures of rebellion. This movie is obsessed with the weight of a reputation. It asks a very simple, very painful question: What do you do when the world decides who you are before you’ve even had a chance to figure it out?
The title itself, That's What I Am, is a defiant statement. It's about ownership. When Stanley stands up for himself, he isn't just fighting a bully. He's claiming his identity. It’s sort of heartbreaking because you realize how much energy he has to spend just to exist in a space that doesn't want him.
The Ed Harris Factor
You can't talk about this movie without talking about Ed Harris. He brings this quiet, simmering dignity to the role of Mr. Simon. He doesn't shout. He doesn't give "O Captain! My Captain!" speeches. He just listens. There’s a scene where he deals with a parent's accusations that is a masterclass in restraint. He knows the rumors are baseless and fueled by hate, but he also knows that in 1965, he has very little power to stop them.
The relationship between Mr. Simon and his students is the emotional engine here. He challenges them to write about something real. Not just schoolwork, but real things. It’s a reminder that teachers are often the first people to see us as individuals rather than just names on a roster.
The 1960s Aesthetic without the Cliches
Most 60s movies hit you over the head with the Beatles and tie-dye. That's What I Am stays away from that. It looks like a real suburb. It feels lived-in. The cars are dusty. The clothes are slightly ill-fitting. The cinematography by Michael Barrett gives it a warm, nostalgic glow, but the script by Mike Pavone ensures it doesn't get too sugary.
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There's a gritty side to the period that the movie doesn't shy away from. The bullying is mean. It’s physical and psychological. The "cooties" culture of elementary school has evolved into something much sharper and more dangerous in junior high.
The Controversy Within the Story
The central conflict involves a rumor that Mr. Simon is gay. In 2026, this might seem like a minor plot point for a movie, but in the context of 1965, it was a career-ender. The school board gets involved. The community starts turning.
What's fascinating is how the movie handles the "villain." Randy Orton’s character, Ed Pruitt, isn't a mustache-twirling bad guy. He’s a guy who is scared. He’s scared of change, scared of anything he doesn't understand, and he’s teaching his son to be exactly the same way. It’s a cycle of fear.
The film doesn't give us a tidy, happy ending where everyone learns their lesson and holds hands. It’s more honest than that. Some people stay bigots. Some reputations are ruined. But the kids—Andy and Stanley—they change. They see the world for what it is.
Real-Life Reception and Impact
When the film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, it got a standing ovation. Critics generally liked it, though some found it a bit sentimental. Roger Ebert gave it a decent review, noting Harris's performance. But because it didn't have a massive marketing budget, it slipped through the cracks.
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It currently holds an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an even higher score from audiences. That tells you something. It’s a "word of mouth" movie. It’s the kind of film that parents show their kids when they want to talk about empathy without being boring.
Actionable Takeaways for Movie Lovers
If you're going to watch That's What I Am, or if you're looking for movies that hit the same emotional notes, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch it for the nuance, not the plot twists. This isn't a thriller. The joy is in the character beats. Pay attention to the background characters; the school ecosystem is incredibly well-observed.
- Compare it to other WWE Studios' efforts. If you want to see how much of an outlier this film is, watch it back-to-back with something like The Marine. You’ll see that when the studio actually tried to make "art," they were surprisingly capable.
- Look for the theme of the "Unseen Hero." The movie argues that the most important people in our lives are often the ones who just stayed steady while everything else was falling apart.
Where to Stream It
Finding older indie-style dramas can be a pain. Currently, That's What I Am pops up on platforms like Tubi (for free with ads) or Prime Video. It’s also usually available for digital rental on Vudu or Apple TV.
If you’re a teacher or someone who works with youth, it’s a goldmine for discussion. It tackles the concept of "tolerance" versus "acceptance." Those aren't the same thing, and the movie knows it. Tolerance is just putting up with someone. Acceptance is actually seeing them.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy of the Film
That's What I Am didn't change the face of cinema. It didn't win ten Oscars. But it did something arguably more important: it told a small, human story with total sincerity. In an era where movies are often built around "universes" and "franchises," there is something deeply refreshing about a film that just wants to tell you about two kids and a teacher in 1965.
It reminds us that the labels people put on us—nerd, freak, teacher, loser—are just words. They only have power if we let them. The moment you stand up and say "That's what I am," you take the power back.
To get the most out of this film today, watch it through the lens of modern social dynamics. Notice how little has actually changed regarding how rumors spread or how "the middle-of-the-road" people often stay silent when they should speak up. Reflect on the "Mr. Simons" in your own life. Write down the names of the teachers who actually saw you. If they're still around, send them a note. It’s the best way to honor the spirit of the story.