Watch Transition

Transition is a powerful drama that delves into the heartache and struggles faced by transgender teenagers in modern-day British society. The film follows the story of Alex (Rachel Teate), a 14-year-old boy who is struggling to come to terms with her true identity as a transgender girl. The opening scene of the movie sets the tone for the rest of the film, with Alex sitting alone in a starkly lit room, staring at herself in the mirror. She is wearing boys' clothing, but her face is made up in feminine makeup. This duality is the central theme of the movie and weaves itself through every aspect of Alex's life, both at home and at school.

The film portrays the insensitivity of some of Alex's peers at school who refuse to accept her for who she is, and engage in bullying and other forms of emotional violence. This is particularly true of her former best friend, Jake (Zoe Allin), who can't handle the fact that Alex is transgender and lashes out at her in several hurtful ways throughout the film.

The strongest relationship in the movie is between Alex and her mother (Barbara French). Their interactions are nuanced and heartfelt, and the scenes between them are some of the most poignant in the film. It's clear that Alex's mother loves her unconditionally and wants only the best for her, but she struggles to come to grips with the reality of her daughter's transition.

Transition is much more than just a coming-of-age story, although that is one aspect of the movie that is handled very well. The film also examines the broader issues around gender identity and gender normativity in society. The movie reveals the many challenges transgender teens face when trying to find acceptance and belonging in a world that is often hostile and unyielding.

The film's visuals are striking, with many scenes relying on bold, contrasting colors to create a sense of tension and unease. The cinematography is arresting, with starkly lit spaces and tight camera angles that emphasize the claustrophobic nature of Alex's experiences.

The soundtrack of the movie is also noteworthy, with an emotional score that adds to the intensity of the scenes. The music is often played at a lower volume, which makes it more effective in conveying the character's complex emotional journeys.

Transition's greatest strength, however, lies in its acting. Rachel Teate delivers a stunning performance as Alex, capturing the complicated mix of emotions that come with transgender identity. She is captivating on screen, and her portrayal of the character is both nuanced and authentic.

Zoe Allin is also excellent in her role as Jake, Alex's former best friend. Her performance is impressive, especially considering she is not a professional actor. She imbues Jake with both menace and vulnerability, making her a compelling antagonist to Alex's struggles.

Finally, Barbara French shines as Alex's mother. She brings a depth and complexity to the character that is not often found in portrayals of parental figures in film. Her performance is both empathetic and realistic, and she manages to convey the deep love she has for her daughter in a way that is both touching and heartbreaking.

In conclusion, Transition is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores the difficulties faced by transgender youth in modern society. The film's engaging performances, striking visuals, and insightful writing make it a must-see for anyone interested in the complex world of gender identity. While the movie can be emotionally challenging at times, it ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism as we watch Alex navigate her way towards self-acceptance and happiness.

Transition is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.