Canadian actor Elliot Page is optimistic that his portrayal in the upcoming movie “Close to You” will deeply resonate with audiences, influencing their thoughts and feelings much like it did his.
The movie, which made its debut at the Toronto Film Festival last Sunday, delves into the narrative of Sam, played by Page. Sam, post his gender transition, comes back home for a family gathering and anticipates the possible uncomfortable interactions awaiting him.
Drawing certain parallels with Page’s personal journey, the movie is a combined creation of both Page and Dominic Savage, with Savage taking on the directorial role.
Page, who earned an Oscar nod for his outstanding performance in “Juno” (2007), was designated female at birth and publicly identified as transgender in 2020.
The 37-year-old performer admitted his apprehensions about the movie’s significant reliance on improvisation. Yet, he credited Savage for cultivating a conducive environment for the entire ensemble to delve into their roles. “This environment gave us the freedom to immerse ourselves fully into the narrative, and the outcome was incredible,” shared Page.
“This film deeply engages with themes of human connection, the essence of being human, and the profound desire to be acknowledged. I believe these sentiments will strike a chord with many,” Page confided in an interview with Reuters.
Actress Hillary Baack, portraying Katherine, a former schoolmate of Sam, remarked on her experience. “The narrative presented challenges that were immensely rewarding. Immersing myself in it was liberating,” she reflected, adding, “To truly inhabit those moments was an honour.”
“In a world where acceptance and understanding are pivotal, films like ‘Close to You’ not only share deeply personal narratives but also serve as poignant reminders of the shared human experience. Through the lens of art, it beckons viewers to embrace diversity, challenge biases, and find unity in empathy. As audiences around the world tune in, there’s hope that the message of love, acceptance, and understanding will echo far and wide.”