This movie was good! Very enjoyable. Pittsburgh is HEAVILY featured. This film won't let you forget that it's set in Pittsburgh. Pretty much every shot has something black and gold in it.
The script is clever and well-written. Dialogue is as natural as it can be, while acting is also pretty solid.
Where this film's weak spot is lies within the story. It has a narrative and the characters are interesting, but it's coherent at best. It's a collection of events about a young trans girl named Maddie. However, it's her coming out saga through the lens of her father and grandma trying to understand and accept her. There are a few moments of conflict and the level they are at are done EXTREMELY well, (the garage after Bernie finds out what's happening at school, the front-yard drag show, etc.) These moments are great, but, there isn't much done with it-- it falls before anything happens.
There's a few dynamics that feel like there should have been more context to or more of a set-up for it to feel like an actual payoff. (For example, the letter that Clara leaves after she passes. I would do the whole funeral scene/ explaining the significance of the letter/ what it contains WAY differently. I can't explain too much without spoiling.)
Overall, this movie is a great representation of the (potential) struggle of a semi-conservative blue-collar worker who's kid is trans. Needs a bit more polish, however, it's worth a watch if it's playing at your local festival.
