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Movies & TV

>>> About Ray

ABOUT RAY

SPECIAL PRESENTATION D: Gaby Dellal. U.S. 87 min. Sep 12, 3:30 pm Princess of Wales Sep 13, 11:15 am TIFF Bell Lightbox 1. See listings. Rating: NNNN


This family drama about an aspiring F-to-M trans teen waiting for parental approval works mainly because of its excellent cast.

Elle Fanning embodies Ray with a fierce passion, fully conveying the extent to which he can’t wait to become his true self. As his supportive mother, Maggie, Naomi Watts exudes internal conflict and dread at having to convince her ex-husband (Tate Donovan) to sign the appropriate papers. Susan Sarandon revels in her one-liners as Ray’s lesbian grandmother.

The sub-plot explaining why ­Maggie can’t face her ex seems like an unnecessary add-on, and thanks to a poor choice – not sure whether it’s Fanning’s or Dellal’s – I didn’t buy Ray’s central emotional moment. But this otherwise superbly acted pic sheds bright light on the challenges facing trans teens.

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