Beautiful Young Minds

Beautiful Young Minds follows a group of exceptionally gifted teenagers as they compete for a chance to represent the United Kingdom at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). It showcases the journey of these brilliant young mathematicians, highlighting their passion for the subject and the challenges they face both academically and socially.

The documentary focuses on several participants, including 15-year-old Jonathan, the youngest contender, who has already broken several UK distance records with his rocket-building hobby. Despite his academic prowess, Jonathan has experienced bullying at school due to his perceived “geekiness.” Another featured participant is 17-year-old Daniel, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Daniel’s story intertwines his mathematical pursuits with his personal life, including his relationship with his girlfriend Zhu Yan, whom he met during a three-month trip to China where he taught himself fluent Mandarin.

The film sheds light on the connection between mathematical ability and autism spectrum disorders, as many of the featured young mathematicians are on the autistic spectrum. It portrays how these teenagers navigate social and confidence issues while excelling in their chosen field. It captures the intense preparation and emotional journey of the participants as they approach the competition day, showcasing their dedication to mathematics and the camaraderie that develops among them.

As the story unfolds, the film follows the UK team to Slovenia, where the International Mathematical Olympiad takes place. The competition pushes the young geniuses to their limits, testing not only their mathematical skills but also their ability to perform under pressure. It concludes with the team’s impressive performance at the IMO, where they secure multiple medals, including four silver and one bronze, highlighting the exceptional talent of these young mathematicians.