Review - Close To You
Directed by: Dominic Savage
Written by: Dominic Savage, Elliot Page
Starring: Elliot Page, Hillary Baack
Running Time: 100 minutes
Rating: 3.5/5
Close To You, directed by Dominic Savage and co-written by Dominic Savage and Elliot Page, made its world premiere at TIFF and offers viewers a raw and emotional journey into the complexities of returning to one's roots.
Clocking in at 100 minutes, this film delves deep into the world of Sam, a transgender man, as he returns home and is forced to navigate the sometimes well-meaning but often misguided efforts of his family, as they adjust to his return.
The heart of this movie lies in its authenticity. Sam's interactions with his family are painfully honest and will resonate with anyone who has embarked on a similar path. Elliot Page delivers a remarkable performance, showcasing a depth and nuance we've never seen from him before. The camera stays intimately close to Page's face, capturing every subtle reaction to the micro and macro aggressions that Sam must confront.
Yet, it's not just Sam's pain that takes center stage in Close To You. Hillary Baack's portrayal of Katherine, Sam's ex-girlfriend, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Katherine's initial shock at Sam's return forces her to grapple with a flood of emotions. Baack's performance is so assured and in control. Every word is kindness. Every touch is gentle. Every embrace is comfort.
The film's strength lies in its unflinching honesty, portraying the difficulty of revisiting a place you have grown up from. While the interactions feel genuine they also verge on repetitive. Unfortunately honesty doesn’t always translate into compelling storytelling.
Close To You is a powerful exploration of revisiting the past and the challenges that come with it. It shines a light on the struggles of individuals like Sam while also reminding us of the kindness and love that one can find even in the worst places and how those feelings can survive time and distance. While it occasionally treads familiar ground, its sincerity and outstanding performances, especially by Elliot Page, make it a film worth experiencing.
