Actor Colin Farrell has offered a rare and touching glimpse into his private family life, and the challenges faced by his eldest son James, in a new documentary.

The Slightest Touch explores friendship, disability and the challenges of running a marathon, as well as Farrell’s experiences as a father to a young man with debilitating Angelman syndrome.

The film follows Farrell and his friend Emma Fogarty, a disability rights activist, as they prepare for the Dublin Marathon.

Along the way it also documents the actor’s experiences, hopes and fears for his son – sentiments echoed by many families facing the federal government’s NDIS cuts.

Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting speech, movement, balance and development, which can cause significant communication difficulties and requires varying levels of lifelong support.

The actor established the Colin Farrell Foundation in 2024 – an organisation dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities through advocacy, education and improved access to services.

The foundation focuses on the difficulties families can encounter when children with disabilities reach adulthood and lose access to educational programs and other forms of structured assistance.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” he told People magazine in 2024..

“All the safeguards that are put in place – special-ed classes – that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and, more often than not, is left behind.”

Actor Colin Farrell with his son James, who has Angelman syndrome. Photo: HBO Max

Farrell’s comments resonate in Australia, where many parents of adult children with disabilities are coming to terms with NDIS funding cuts to social and community services.

Since October 1, many NDIS participants have had their funding cut by 50 per cent for Social, Economic and Community Participation and Improved Daily Living Skills.

Families have recounted how these cuts have left adults with disabilities isolated from mainstream society.

Farrell expressed his own hopes for how James would be treated as he grew older.

“I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect,” he said.

In a trailer for the documentary, Farrell acknowledges how unusual it is for him to allow filmmakers into his personal life.

“I’ve never had a camera crew come near my home,” he said.

The In Bruges star is then seen embracing James, sharing a lighthearted exchange that offers viewers a glimpse of their relationship.

“He gets away with nothing,” Farrell joked.

Fogarty and Farrell’s marathon preparations make up much of the film. Photo: HBO Max

Most of the documentary follows Fogarty – who lives with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare condition that causes the skin to become extremely fragile and vulnerable to blistering. – and her friendship with Farrell.

As Emma approaches her 40th birthday (an age doctors once thought she would never reach), she and longtime friend Farrell, decide to take on the Dublin Marathon together. 

Their preparations form another central part of the film, which examines the physical and emotional demands of their challenge.

The Slightest Touch premieres on HBO Max on November 25

-With AAP