Watch In the Turn

In the Turn is a 2014 documentary film directed by Erica Tremblay that follows Crystal, a 10-year-old transgender girl, as she participates in roller derby and finds a supportive community. The film explores Crystal's journey and the challenges she faces as a trans child, as well as the ways in which roller derby helps her build confidence and navigate her identity.

The film opens with footage of Crystal at home with her mother, recounting her experiences of being bullied at school for being different. She explains that she wants to be a girl, but that she is afraid to tell her classmates. Crystal's mother is supportive and understanding, but the family faces challenges as they navigate the healthcare system to get Crystal the medical care she needs.

Crystal's participation in roller derby serves as a metaphor for her journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. The film follows her as she trains with her team, the Vagine Regime Junior Rollers, and competes in matches. Crystal's teammates and coaches are accepting and supportive of her, and she finds a sense of belonging on the team. The film highlights the radical potential of roller derby as a space for feminist and queer communities to come together, and as a sport that challenges gender norms and traditional expectations of femininity.

Throughout the film, Crystal's journey is framed within the broader context of trans activism and advocacy. We hear from experts in the field, such as Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, who emphasize the importance of providing support and healthcare to trans children. The film also touches on the recent surge of anti-trans legislation and public discourse, such as North Carolina's HB2 bathroom bill, highlighting the ongoing struggles for trans rights and visibility.

In addition to Crystal's personal story, the film features interviews with other members of the roller derby community, including a trans masculine skater who shares their own experiences of navigating gender identity within the sport. We also hear from the mothers of other trans children, who share their own journeys of learning to support and advocate for their kids.

Overall, In the Turn is a powerful and moving portrait of a young trans girl finding empowerment and community through roller derby. The film does an excellent job of balancing personal storytelling with broader political analysis, and provides a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the challenges facing trans youth today. It ultimately highlights the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, and the radical potential of sports and movement building as a means of resistance and transformation.

In the Turn is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.