Close to You, a thrillingly intimate drama, marks Elliot Page's return to cinema after a seven-year absence. In it, the actor plays Sam, a trans man d
Close to You, a thrillingly intimate drama, marks Elliot Page’s return to cinema after a seven-year absence. In it, the actor plays Sam, a trans man drawn back to his Canadian hometown for his father’s birthday. As Sam navigates a family trying to be welcoming but struggling with his gender identity, Page’s own tumultuous past serves as a backdrop.
The actor, who came out as transgender in 2020, has spoken candidly about his experiences, including the trauma inflicted during the production of the 2012 thriller Flatliners. Despite pressure to conform to traditional masculinity, Page has continued to be an outspoken advocate for the trans community.
In Close to You, Page brings his authenticity to the character of Sam, whose family struggles to come to terms with his identity. The actor has spoken about the importance of representations like this, saying, “We find our families in all kinds of places, don’t we? They’re not necessarily the people that we’ve grown up with and that we were born to. Some people, I imagine, would think that was heresy, but I find it quite a liberating idea.”
Page’s own mother is described as “pretty good” in recognizing her son’s identity, and it’s clear that he’s grateful for her support. “I’m like, ‘Of course, it’s going to take you a second, mom. It’s fine. You don’t need to beat yourself up about it!'” he says.
Close to You is not a story about Page’s life, but it does contain moments that resonated deeply with the actor’s own experiences. When Sam has a heart-to-heart with his almost-sweetheart from school days, played by Hillary Baack, it’s clear that this is a scene that speaks to the importance of finding true acceptance. Baack has described Page as someone who is “much calmer, more grounded” since coming out as trans.
The film’s director, Dominic Savage, is known for his improvised process, which involves building stories with his lead actors and shooting entirely in natural light. Page has credited this approach with creating a sense of genuine emotion, saying, “You could feel something happen, and yeah, we’re not actually used to a queer trans person having a boundary in that moment: ‘Hey, I actually don’t want to sit here and this isn’t good for me.'”
Close to You is a testament to the power of stories told from the inside out. By sharing his own experiences with empathy and candor, Page has created a character that feels deeply authentic and relatable.
Conclusion: Close to You is a courageous and compassionate film that marks Elliot Page’s triumphant return to the silver screen. With its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of family and identity, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.
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FAQs:
Q: How did Elliot Page come out as trans?
A: Elliot Page publicly came out as transgender in 2020.
Q: What is the film Close to You about?
A: Close to You is a drama about a trans man, Sam, who returns to his hometown for his father’s birthday and navigates his complex family relationships.
Q: Is Elliot Page’s character, Sam, inspired by his own life?
A: While Close to You is not a direct reflection of Page’s life, it does contain elements that resonate with his own experiences as a trans man.
Q: How did director Dominic Savage approach the film’s subject matter?
A: Savage used an improvised process, building the story with Page and shooting entirely in natural light, to create a sense of genuine emotion.
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