SHE’S A BOY I KNEW (Gwen Haworth, Canada). 70 minutes. May 24, 2:30 pm, Isabel Bader. Rating: NNNN
We’re at an early stage in the trans movement when we tolerate bad movies on the subject because their issues are so urgent.That absolutely does not apply here. She’s A Boy I Knew is a well-crafted documentary about an interesting trans person surrounded by fascinating people.
Director Gwen Haworth’s strategy of getting her friends and family to speak openly about their emotional responses to Haworth’s coming out as a trans person works because her subjects are loving and honest about their internal conflicts. These talking heads – especally Haworth’s ex-wife, Magosia – say things that matter, and Haworth mines a trove of home movies to give us further insight into her personal relationships.
Most important, Haworth herself is a huge talent. She’s A Boy I Knew is beautiful to look at and tightly structured. Keep your eye on this director.
