Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) is a fledgling adult who enthusiastically embodies youthful rebellion: he has spiked blond hair, a Che Guevara poster on his bedroom wall, and a propensity for loud music. But what makes Rory stand out from the crowd is his status as a wheelchair-bound muscular dystrophy patient who resides at the Carrigmore Home for the Disabled in Ireland. Rory attracts nervous looks from fellow residents and nurses, but makes a friend in cerebral palsy sufferer Michael Connolly (Steven Robertson), who is delighted when Rory understands the way he articulates himself despite a serious speech impediment. With Michael excited by this breakthrough, the duo decide to move out of Carrigmore and into their own apartment. Michael's errant father deserted him at a young age, so Rory and Michael track him down, lay a guilt trip on him, and tap him for necessary funds. After securing the cash, Rory realizes the confines of their wheelchairs will make certain tasks difficult, but a chance encounter at the local pub with a fun-loving girl named Siobhán (Romola Garai) sees her enlisted as their home help. The trio embark on some wonderfully happy times together, only tainted by Rory's unpredictable behavior, which is a perpetual thorn in the side of anyone he encounters.

Director Damien O'Donnell (EAST IS EAST) delicately seesaws between laughter and drama throughout RORY O'SHEA WAS HERE, leading to a funny, sad, and informative movie. McAvoy and Robertson--both able-bodied actors--give remarkable performances as the two disabled leads, while the lack of condescension and genuine pathos displayed by Romola Garai's character offers some pertinent tips on how to cope with similarly afflicted people in the real world.