Real Boy

Real Boy is a heartfelt and honest documentary film released in 2016 embracing the theme of acceptance and identity. The movie documents the life of its central character, Bennett Wallace, a transgender teenager who grapples with acceptance, not just on a societal level, but also on a more intimate level with his mother and his peers.

Directed by Shaleece Haas, the camera captures every essential nuance of Wallace's life, weaving it into a gripping tale of transformation. Real Boy introduces us to Bennett when he's still Rachael, wrestling with his identity, trapped in the body of a girl. The documentary tracks Bennett’s physical transition and the myriad psychological transformations that go with it over a period of four years.

The documentary not only focuses on Bennett's struggles but also extends its attention to his mother, Suzy, who initially struggles to reconcile with her daughter's transition to becoming her son. It only emphasizes the potent emotional turmoil that's usually a part of any such transformation, a theme which the documentary handles with sensitivity and nuance. The film depicts the mother's journey with equal investment, tracing her path from confusion and resistance to acceptance and support.

One of the key facets of the film is the real-life connection and friendship with a musician, Joe Stevens, who is a transman himself. Joe emerges as a central figure in Bennett's journey as he navigates his own path. Through this beautiful relationship, the movie unveils the importance of having a mentor and a role model when undergoing life-altering transformations. It underscores the huge difference that community support can make in a person's journey towards self-realization.

Throughout the documentary, there is a consistent focus on Bennett's passion for music. His guitar seems like a constant companion in his journey, a tool to express himself as he battles societal normativity. Bennett often talks about how music provides an outlet for his internal sensations of turmoil and anxiety. Also, his association with Joe Stevens is deeply rooted in mutual admiration for music.

As Bennett discovers his true identity, he also desires others to see him for who he truly is. This aspiration remains central throughout Real Boy, and illustrates the genuine core of the individual, often overlooked in gender discussions. Bennett yearns for connection on his own terms and struggles to maintain his friendships during this transition.

Real Boy is not just a story of discovery but acceptance. It often tenderly probes into the harsh realities of gender transitioning, the loneliness, and the longing for acceptance and validation. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the raw, uncomfortable parts of the process. Moreover, the film taps into a larger dialogue about society's understanding of gender norms and traditional family structures that confines and oftentimes stigmatizes people like Bennett.

The director, Shaleece Haas, holds up a mirror to society while maintaining an empathetic perspective towards the subjects’ experiences. The way she captures the rawness of Bennett's journey is a testament to her subtle craftsmanship. The film’s cinematography is commendable, capturing both the obvious and hidden aspects of Bennett's transition with equal sensitivity.

Real Boy is a stirring and thought-provoking narrative that takes viewers on a deep emotional journey through the rainbows and thunderstorms of a young trans man's life. The respect with which it treats its subjects adds another layer of authenticity and sensitivity to the narrative, making it an important cinematic contribution to raising awareness about the transgender community and their relentless fight for acceptance.

Undeniably, Real Boy is a compelling film that goes beyond surface-level storytelling. Its authenticity and rawness make it a worthy watch. The film’s power rests not just in the story it tells, but also how it makes the viewer reconsider their understanding of gender identity itself. It's not just about Bennett's transition, but also about everyone's shared journey towards understanding, acceptance and, ultimately, humanity. The film is a significant step forward in the portrayal of transgender stories, highlighting their struggles, victories, and their inspiring journey toward acceptance in a world that often refuses to understand.