The release of Toy Story 5 marked a significant moment for a Jerusalem family, whose long-standing connection to the franchise extends back over two decades. Danny, a 30-year-old man on the autism spectrum, has maintained a deeply personal bond with the Toy Story series since childhood, providing him with comfort amid life’s uncertainties.

Danny’s relationship with the films began shortly after his autism diagnosis when he viewed Toy Story 2 at age three. Since then, he has watched that installment nearly every Friday for 26 years, often accompanied by his mother. The simplicity of the movies’ core themes—such as toys coming to life when unobserved and the fear of abandonment mitigated by friendship—resonates strongly with Danny, offering a predictable and reassuring ritual in an unpredictable world.

When Toy Story 5 premiered on June 22, the family seized the opportunity to attend opening day, a joyous occasion especially after prior global tensions cast a shadow over their daily lives. While Danny had previously shown resistance to newer sequels, particularly Toy Story 4, changes in his living and working environment encouraged him to engage with the latest installment.

Toy Story 5 centers on Bonnie, the toys’ new owner, who struggles to make friends as peers shift toward online gaming. The storyline explores themes of connection and friendship through the toys’ efforts to help Bonnie form genuine social bonds. While the introduction of a tablet character initially suggested a potential antagonist, the film ultimately refrains from featuring a clear villain, a notable departure from earlier installments that included recognizable adversaries.

For Danny, the movie held his attention and engaged him enough to recite dialogue alongside the characters and express familiar reactions during key scenes. However, the increased number of new characters and a more complex narrative made it less accessible than the original films, which remain his favorites. Notably, scenes featuring Buzz Lightyear and Woody, voiced by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks respectively, were among Danny’s favorites.

The film also gently addresses the coexistence of technology and traditional toys, avoiding a simplistic critique of digital play. Subplots include Jessie’s interactions with old electronic toys and the activation of a shipwrecked shipment of Buzz Lightyear dolls, injecting humor and moments of nostalgia.

Despite changes in the franchise’s focus and character dynamics—including Woody’s new life with Bo Peep and Buzz’s relationship with Jessie—the enduring themes of friendship remain central. For Danny and his mother, their longstanding routine of watching Toy Story 2 every Friday persists, symbolizing stability and a shared bond.

The experience of watching Toy Story 5 together culminated with Danny expressing a heartfelt, playful sentiment by referring to his mother as his “best Hannah,” echoing the film’s references to friendship and partnership. Their continued engagement with the Toy Story universe highlights the series' lasting emotional impact and its role in supporting connections within families navigating autism.