The refreshing element of the slow but steady flow of movies dealing with transgender issues that have been emerging this year has been how they deal with a fresh reality that is so far removed from the over-hyped debut of Caitlyn Jenner. Following on the heels on the exuberant “Tangerine” that may even make Oscar history and the refreshing “Boy Meets Girl”, comes “Carl(a)” the story of one girl’s struggle of being accepted.
The other man who tries hard to accept Carla for who she has transitioned into is her grandfather (Mark Morgolis) who as the family patriarch does his best to get the rest of the family on board. Except him, none of them from her disdainful father to her positively hostile brother are prepared to even consider recognizing her new identity, and when she suddenly has the money to have the expensive surgery to complete her re-alignment even her new beau Sam is suddenly reluctant to finally physically become the woman she is. Carla is now faced with a tough call with what it may cost her if she goes ahead to fulfill her lifelong ambition and if the price is really worth it.
It’s a great wee drama full of energy and such raw honesty that you are more than happy enough to ignore the fact that the production, like so many micro-budget indie movies, is a tad rough around edges. Having two talented transgender actresses in the lead roles really lend more than an air of authenticity to the piece, and although it is no surprise to see Laverne Cox put in such a good performance, it was a delightful surprise to watch the unknown DeFreece shine through as the troubled Carla.
The movie filmed in 2011 has taken a long journey to see the light of day and has just premiered this week in L.A. Watch this space to see what happens to it next as it so deserves to reach the widest possible audience.
Labels: 2015, drama, transgender
