Transamerica (2005)

“Transamerica” is a 2005 drama film directed by Duncan Tucker. The film stars Felicity Huffman as Bree, a trans woman who discovers she has a 17-year-old son, Toby (Kevin Zegers), who is living on the streets. Bree bails Toby out of jail and agrees to drive him from New York to Los Angeles, all while keeping her true identity a secret from him. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and personal challenges, and both Bree and Toby begin to confront their own identities and pasts.

Review:

“Transamerica” received critical acclaim upon its release. Felicity Huffman‘s performance as Bree was widely praised, with many critics citing it as one of the best performances of the year. The film was also commended for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of trans issues, and its exploration of the complexities of identity and family. Some critics noted that the film’s pacing was a bit slow at times, but overall, it was seen as a powerful and affecting piece of cinema.

Awards:

“Transamerica” was nominated for two Academy Awards in 2006, including Best Actress for Felicity Huffman and Best Original Song for “Travelin’ Thru” by Dolly Parton. While it did not win either award, Huffman won several other major awards for her performance, including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award.

Popularity:

“Transamerica” was not a huge box office success, grossing just over $15 million worldwide. However, it has since become a cult favorite among fans of LGBTQ+ cinema, and is often cited as a landmark film in the representation of trans people on screen. It currently holds a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising it as a moving and insightful character study.