Movie review: Family transforms around transgender teen in "Gun Hill Road"

[Shana A]

Movie review: Family transforms around transgender teen in "Gun Hill Road"

By Lisa Kennedy
Denver Post Film Critic
Posted: 10/21/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT

http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_19150294

Over the past several years, the "coming out" tale has morphed into something perhaps better described as the "coming-to-terms" drama. In this subtle narrative evolution, gay or lesbian kids — while not absolutely confident in their skins (they're young, remember) — seem to intuit that their gender identities aren't the problem.

It is their parents (and the rest of us) who must find our way around their bravely recast worlds.

In his beautifully acted, emotionally textured feature debut, "Gun Hill Road," Rashaad Ernesto Green takes this a step further. His protagonist is transgender teen Michael, played with luminous and sweet grace by newcomer Harmony Santana.