Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Trevor Morris on Oscar-Shortlisted Neurodivergent Film
Trevor Morris, who usually writes music for TV shows and video games, made his first short film called 'Butterfly on a Wheel'.
The movie is about a young man named Jacen who has OCD and anxiety.
Jacen loves playing the piano but is too scared to perform in front of people.
The story shows how Jacen tries to overcome his fears with the help of his brother and a new friend named Sorrel.
The film is set in Toronto and includes beautiful scenes at Koerner Hall, a famous concert venue.
Trevor Morris wanted to make a movie that shows what it's like to live with OCD and anxiety in a real way, not just for laughs.
He also wanted the movie to end on a hopeful note, showing that with hard work, things can get better.
The film has been selected for several film festivals and is on the shortlist for the 2026 Oscars.
Trevor hopes people will watch the movie and feel inspired by Jacen's journey.
Trevor Morris's directorial debut short film 'Butterfly on a Wheel' follows Jacen Davis, a jazz pianist with OCD and anxiety, as he struggles to perform live at Koerner Hall in Toronto.
The film is inspired by Morris's personal experiences with anxiety and his love for music, aiming to portray a realistic and hopeful story about neurodivergence.
Morris self-taught himself directing through books, online courses, and talking to director friends, as he transitioned from composing to directing.
The film uses close-ups and sound design to convey the emotional intensity of Jacen's anxiety and OCD, with minimal dialogue in the first half to immerse the audience in his perspective.
The film has been selected for several film festivals, including the Coronado Island Film Festival and Newport Beach Film Festival, and is on the shortlist for the 2026 Oscars.
- Who
- Trevor Morris, Emmy-winning composer and director of the short film 'Butterfly on a Wheel'
- What
- A short film about a young adult with OCD and anxiety overcoming his struggles to embrace his talent and neurodivergence
- When
- The film was made during and after the Covid pandemic, and it is shortlisted for the 2026 Oscars
- Where
- The film is set in downtown Toronto, with key scenes at Koerner Hall and the Royal Conservatory of Music
- Why
- Trevor Morris was inspired by his personal experiences with anxiety and his love for music, aiming to portray a realistic and hopeful story about neurodivergence
- Film Title
- Butterfly on a Wheel
- Director
- Trevor Morris
- Lead Actor
- Curran Walters
- Setting
- Downtown Toronto
- Main Character's Condition
- OCD and anxiety
- Film Length
- 36 minutes
- Oscar Shortlist Year
- 2026
- Key Location
- Koerner Hall