In the world of Siobhan McCarthy’s delightful directorial introduction, She’s the He, the action doesn’t hesitate to unfold. This film, which made its debut at SXSW, begins with two buddies hatching a plan to lose their virginity before high school graduation. Their sexual pursuits, much like those of the characters in Superbad, Booksmart, and more recently Bottoms, are not new. However, unlike their predecessors, Alex (Nico Carney) and Ethan (Misa Osherovich) are not just deemed as outcasts by the narrow-minded standards of a strictly hierarchical school society. Instead, they’re often mistaken for being in a same-sex relationship.
In an attempt to transform their image, the duo opts to publicly reveal their identities as transgender individuals. While the rationale for this strategy isn’t entirely convincing, it results in a captivating and heartwarming journey of self-discovery and growth.
In general, the movie largely adheres to the pattern of a conventional comedic coming-of-age story, but McCarthy adds unique touches to the genre. The director, who prefers they/them pronouns, chose transgender actors to portray cisgender men pretending to be transgender women. This choice echoes the gender-swapping elements found in tales like Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.
The decision also highlights that much of gender, along with its associated categories, is shaped by society. It’s now commonplace when Alex and Ethan declare they are trans, as the story “She’s the He” unfolds in a setting where flexible identities are accepted. This gives McCarthy’s film a unique twist, enabling them to present a coming-out narrative that isn’t solely centered on traumatic experiences.
In a period when trans individuals encounter increased risks due to policies under the Trump administration and widespread cultural anxieties, the significance of “She’s the He” becomes even more profound as it addresses this pressing issue. McCarthy cleverly satirizes the irrationality of conservative anxiety, particularly focusing on the infamous bathroom bills that limit transgender people’s access to public facilities consistent with their identities.
The director takes some witty shots at the fear-mongering tactics used by Republicans, yet overall, the theme of “She’s the He” feels incomplete. A significant factor contributing to this lack of depth is the hurried pace of the story setup, which swiftly covers Alex’s plan with such speed that it leaves little opportunity for thorough exploration. With a bit more elaboration, the satire doesn’t just bookend the story but instead seeps into its very fabric.
Nevertheless, this foundation paves the way for McCarthy to explore more intriguing and emotionally impactful themes. The character of “She’s the He” truly excels in depicting Ethan’s gradual understanding that she is transgender. Initially, Alex’s attempt to seduce Sasha (Malia Pyles), a prominent student at school, seems like a flimsy plot device. However, it evolves into a profound exploration of Ethan’s identity struggle.
Following their revelation about being trans, they begin spending more time with Sasha and her circle of friends. Sasha becomes close to Ethan, guiding the shy adolescent in exploring makeup and developing her unique style. These small escapades lead them from the locker rooms to the theater department’s costume storage. Osherovich’s heartfelt portrayal adds emotional depth to these tender moments, as her expressive eyes capture Ethan’s quiet joy at feeling more authentic.
As Ethan explores and navigates being a girl amidst Suzanne Cryer’s intolerance, Alex develops a connection with the charismatic nonbinary student Forest (Tatiana Ringsby), all while grappling with his masculinity. The show highlights how much his father’s approval shapes his self-perception, causing confusion about what it truly means to be a man. In these instances, Carney skillfully transforms his acting from the brink of cliche into ground that offers thoughtful insights on a common struggle faced by many adolescent boys.
Alex and Ethan’s self-revelation is quickly shattered when Alex reveals their scheme to Sasha. This confession results in sorrow, treachery, and unforeseen chaos. McCarthy skillfully portrays these twists, particularly when other non-transgender heterosexual males attempt to replicate the plan with malicious intentions. However, there are instances where the movie’s grandeur surpasses what can be effectively delivered within its compact 82-minute duration.
In spite of the occasional setbacks, she is consistently charming, much like our main character. The series features humorous sidekicks such as Davis from Hacks (Mark Indelicato), a young gay individual who imparts significant life lessons about camaraderie to Alex and Ethan. Moreover, McCarthy’s clever on-screen visual effects add an extra layer of amusement.
As I journeyed through the captivating world of “She’s the He”, my eyes were drawn to Leah Morrison’s vibrant costumes that danced with eccentricity, Isabella Monge’s enchanting production design that whispered tales of whimsy, and the tender, close-up cinematography by Bethany Michalsky. This magical trio wove a dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere that surrounded the film, even as it delved into darker themes. Yet, despite the bleaker undertones, “She’s the He” remained a beacon of hope and affirmation for me on my gaming journey.
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2025-04-04 01:24