Mission to Lars.

This feature documentary follows the life of Tom Spicer, who has Fragile X Syndrome and is obsessed with the band Metallica, in particular the drummer Lars Ulrich. It is presented by his sister Kate Spicer and filmed by their brother Will Spicer - they plan to take Tom to America to find a way for him to meet the band. The documentary shows Tom’s difficult behaviour especially his obsession with routine. Interviews with their parents and Tom’s carer outline the struggles that they are going to face during the trip. On visiting Tom at his care home before flying to America, they find that he has gone missing, when they find him he has decided he no longer wishes to go to America. Their step-mother Jane convinces Tom to leave the care home and go to America. The three siblings arrive in California and rent out a campervan to drive to Las Vegas, however Tom is increasingly withdrawn and reluctant to see Metallica play. Tom ultimately refuses to go to the Metallica gig in Las Vegas and Kate goes to the concert alone. They move on to the next leg of the tour in Sacramento and meet with Fragile X Syndrome expert Randi Hagerman who explains more to Kate about the Syndrome and why the loud noise from the concert will cause Tom anxiety. Hagerman suggests that anti-anxiety medication and ear plugs may help, Kate decides against medication, but with headphones Tom agrees to go to the concert. Metallica provide Kate and Tom with ‘access all areas’ passes and they go back stage and begin to watch the band before Tom gets anxious and asks to leave. Kate and Will realise that the headphones and recording equipment helped since they gave Tom not only protection from the noise, but gave him a role in the situation. Metallica’s management offer Tom a one-on-one meeting with Lars Ulrich at their gig in Anaheim. Tom arrives and meets Ulrich who shows him around backstage, plays drums for him, lets Tom play on his drum kit and invites Tom, Kate and Will to walk out on stage with them. Kate reflects on how Tom’s love of music and Lars Ulrich has transcended his fears.