User reviews

I won't go overboard on the side of the acting, but the storyline was real and it's amazing how often we see situations like this in our daily routine.

I have a nephew that has discovered that he does not want to be a 'guy' and I know there's some family members that are having a very hard time accepting this just as John (the father) and Tammy (the sister) did.

Insecurity of homophobic cowards leads to not only displays of social non-acceptance and, of course, hate crimes. It's truly amazing how much this factors into the lives of those that go through this life changing transformation.

This movie was an incredible reflection of the truth that exists and I must commend everyone involved. I will be watching this many more times in the future I'm sure!

So good to have a movie that is inspiring and forgiving and family orientated. The story is real and shows how we can be compassionate. It is entertaining and a movie that is accessible to talk to tour kids about trans folks.

It has been amazing to be at several showings of this film and hear the reaction from trans folks and their family members (bio and chosen). Dawn really touches peoples hearts, and opens doors for conversations which can be incredibly difficult to find your way into. If you're looking for a heartwarming, tear jerking, thought provoking, and hope-filled film, this is it!! Also, the music by Rose Cousins, Breagh Isabel, and Scott MacMillan is STUNNING !

Who knew Ricky from Trailer Park Boys could really act?? This film is so beautifully shot and the script is smart, funny and deeply moving. For a story that covers a lot of heavy topics, it still feels light and leaves you with a sense of hope that kindness will always win. A must-watch for anyone really, especially those who would benefit from seeing the lived experience of a trans person. A brilliant piece of independent Canadian cinema!

Shelley Thompson is such an incredible play wright and creative. There's not doubt in me that so much love and care was poured into this film. Having more trans representation in theater is so important. Support Maritime film makers and local talent!

Had the pleasure of seeing this film multiple times, and it gets better on every watch. The story is touching, the performances are heartfelt and genuine, and the visuals are at once delicately pastoral and unflinchingly stark, matching the tone of a thoughtful reflection on the process of grief and the catharsis of letting go of a painful past. Maya Henry is a brilliant lead who gives the role of Dawn so much heart and compassion, and Robb Wells' performance is subtle and empathetic in all the right ways, allowing for a complex, nuanced, and realistic dynamic between father and daughter - not to mention the impressive and versatile supporting cast. Shelly Thompson's directing has a clear vision that brings this film together into a touching and poignant experience that has stayed with me since I first saw it. Bravo to all who helped create this wonderful, melancholic, and heartwarming piece of cinema.

This film really resonated with me. The story was completely believable, down to earth and obviously written with heart. A cast of genuine characters, in a setting that anyone can relate to - and a situation that more and more folks may be experiencing as time goes by in our world of changing attitudes towards transgendered friends and family. Shelley Thompson hit the mark with this!

Had the opportunity to watch this movie in a small town in NS very similar to where this film is located and filmed. The display of the nuances and difficulties to be emotionally connected in this sort of community to differences and change was so eloquently portrayed . I feel it was beautiful, realistic and handled this complicated theme with a very thoughtful and humorous lens.

Absolutely encourage you all to see it.

Loved this movie. The music was spectacular - Rose Cousins' voice and lyrics were perfect to capture the tone and emotion of the movie - a mixture of sadness and hope. Standout for me was how well the movie captures the way rural East Coast families - like mine! - deal with emotion and pain by pretending it doesn't exist. Highly recommend this beautiful piece of cinema!

In an age when so many movies are cast with action heroes and enough pyrotechnics to begin a war, this is the perfect family and classroom movie for several reasons. First, it's difficult for most parents to introduce sensitive topics in a family conversation. Often teens cringe when they feel their parents are trying to enter the domain of 'cool' or 'with it'. But this movie leaves so many doors open which naturally invite questions and thoughtful responses. Why did Dawn leave her family? Why was her father uncomfortable with her return? Who were the 'helpers' in her old home town and who were the people that were so deeply mired in the past that all they could do was try to hurt her? What was Dawn's (late) mother like? What would you say to Dawn if you met her? What would you say to a friend or school acquaintance who undertook the same transition as Dawn? I could go on . . . You know what they say: 'old teachers never die, they just lose their class'. But if I were still in the classroom today I would use this film as a teaching tool to help young people understand that bravery and being true to oneself are not characteristics unique to action figures.

Moving & relevant, and who the heck knew Ricky could act!?!? Definitely feels like a Canadian production, which is not a bad thing. Well done folks, really enjoyed it.

A really beautiful film that shows all the tender, beautiful and painful parts of its characters. A very real look at the realities of being trans in small town NS. Shelley Thompson's direction is artful and clean, and each character is deeply complex.

This is such an amazing, beautiful film. Definitely one of my new favourites. A lovely story about family coming together. Amazing cinematography and beautiful settings.

For a personal reason, I really wanted this movie to be good. For the first ten minutes or so I had that reason in mind, then I was totally transported into the movie. It had all the feels - was laughing one moment, then tears, then anger, then around again. This is an emotional, beautiful film and am so glad I was finally able to see it!