Kelsey Pargeter
All 4’s Patience is a thoughtful depiction of neurodivergence that nobody in the modern world should miss.
Exploring the systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals, the sentiment behind this new series underscores the importance of raising awareness for autism. From misdiagnoses to workplace stigma, this show is a game-changer in highlighting the challenges and triumphs of those navigating the world with autism.
The series follows the titular character, Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis), who is often ignored and underestimated as an archivist at York Police. Purvis’ performance is both nuanced and compelling, tackling the stigma surrounding neurodivergence while showcasing the resilience of people on the spectrum.
The intricate writing ensures Evans’ character arc feels authentic, relatable, and dynamic. Her personal development throughout the series is phenomenal.
A Depreciative System
As a child she was diagnosed with paediatric schizophrenia and was labeled as someone incapable of independence. This misdiagnosis highlights the stigma surrounding autism and the importance of research in this field, which has until recent years been wildly neglected.
As a result, Patience faces workplace alienation. The cinematography emphasises her isolation, with scenes of her in her own world and shots of how her colleagues perceive her, all underscoring her emotional and physical distance.
In the opening scenes she is depicted as someone who just deals with the case files, who is isolated on a whole other floor, in a different room and department. She is excluded from collaborative opportunities, which may be symbolic of society’s expectations of her from a young age. This highlights how external pressures and internalised doubts can hinder neurodivergent individuals from reaching their full potential.
“Navigating relationships can be challenging for a neurodivergent person”
Ella Maisy Purvis’ performance shines here. She subtly conveys Patience’s inner turmoil and determination through her expressions and body language. She resists stereotypes by interfering with evidence reports in an attempt to guide investigator Bea Metcalf’s (Laura Fraser) crime cases.
Patience is evidently very bright and very capable and the world is a scary place for her. But with the belief and support from her godfather (who was overprotective initially), friends and colleagues, she becomes an integral part of solving the murder mystery.
Despite her support system, the criticisms she faces and the underestimations of her ability she deals with on a daily basis, will no doubt have an effect on her relationships and self-belief.
Relationships
Navigating relationships can be challenging for a neurodivergent person. But the writers seamlessly weave this into the series. The direction is commendable, lingering camera shots on small, quiet moments and pauses in dialogue, effectively reflects Patience’s vulnerability.
Moreover, Patience includes relatable moments, like the awkwardness of being hit on or the nerves of a first kiss — things a neurotypical person might not think twice about. However, as Patience’s confidence begins to grow, so do her relationships. With the right support and understanding, her network expands, becoming stronger and more meaningful as the story develops and the plot becomes more complex.
Impact
Patience finds solace (and sometimes struggle) in solving puzzles. But little does she know her biggest puzzle would be her journey to self-acceptance. The series ends with the biggest symbolism of all – the box. Society has put Patience in a box her whole life. It isn’t until she and her network begin to think outside of the box that she finds her potential to be limitless.
Much like the nine-dot puzzle, breaking the walls that confine girls like Patience requires us to think beyond conventional boundaries. The societal “box” they’ve been placed in is built from systemic barriers: outdated stereotypes, misdiagnoses, and exclusionary practices in education, and the workplace. To break down these walls, society must embrace creativity, empathy and a willingness to challenge the norms that keep exclusion in existence.
By thinking outside the ‘box’ and adopting a mindset rooted in understanding and inclusion, we can create a world where the unique talents of individuals like Patience are recognised and celebrated — not ignored or underestimated. And it all starts with a little patience.
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Featured image courtesy of David von Diemar on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
