In middle England, Charlie is a kid with a bright future as a football player, which his rather pushy father Paul is thrilled about. But as puberty dawns, Charlie is beginning to understand something that’s not easy to express: inside, Charlie is a girl stuck in a boy’s body. Her mother Sue and older sister Eve do their best to help, but Paul can’t cope. And neither can Charlie’s best pal Tommy.
The screenplay never simplifies this situation, pulling the audience right into Charlie’s circle of friends and family, which gently confronts us about our reactions on a variety of levels. Meanwhile, Rebekah Fortune directs scenes with an attention to the characters, which internalises the issue while drawing out earthy emotions and some edgy humour. It’s also a rare film that touches honestly on such a range of prejudice, from the subtle (“let’s wait to tell people”) to verbal bullying to hideous physical violence.
The point of the story is that Charlie is still the same person her family and friends have always loved. So the problems are coming from them, not her, as they fight against their own reactions to the fact that she is being true to who she is. It’s a simple point made with bracing authenticity, challenging the viewer to look inside and see that Charlie’s “revelation” is no different than what any of us have to do as we grow up and demand that people accept us for who we are.
Skilfully written, directed and acted, this sensitive British drama tackles a hugely important topic head on, never talking down to the audience. It’s a bold film that encourages the viewer to understand the truth that a trans person is not changing who they are. The film is a cry for compassion that recognises how difficult it can be to overcome outside pressure and do the right thing.