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Directed by Dominic Savage, the R-rated 2023 release Close to You stars Elliot Page, who delivers a terrific performance. Oscar-nominated for Juno, Page returned to the big screen with the role of the transgender Sam, who returns home after years and must deal with reactions his family and friends have in store for him, because of his transition.
The movie had initially been released at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and recently saw a theatrical release on 16th August 2024. Close to You's official synopsis, according to IMDB, says:
“When he returns home for his father's birthday, a man finds that his family is struggling to accept his transition.”
Boasting a run time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, Close to You did not prove to be a hit and received poor responses from both critics and viewers. Currently, it has a 4.3 rating on IMDB, along with a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score. That, of course, might change, as the movie has only recently been released for the mainstream.
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Still, there are quite a few other shortcomings of Close to You as well, despite the performance that Elliot Page conjures for this one.
Close to You features a dull plot with a headlining performance from Elliot Page
Close to You presents a narrative that is both introspective and yet leaves viewers asking for more. The title itself takes inspiration from a scene between Sam and Katherine, a role played by Hillary Baack. The two childhood best friends meet after almost two decades, as Sam confesses his feelings for Katherine.
While the story most notably delves into Sam’s relationships as he returns to his hometown for his father’s birthday, the event proves to be the first time he meets his family post-transition. He eventually rekindles the bond with Katherine, although the movie has its fair share of struggles as well.
It faces issues because of a lackluster script and an uneven narrative, as Sam appears awkward as he tries to rekindle his past relationships. The movie attempts to delve into the way Sam’s loved ones change their perspective and approach towards him following his gender transformation and explores a range of LGBTQ+ themes that audiences are bound to resonate with.
Close to You, at its core, presents a story about an individual who struggles with their identity and undergoes a range of obstacles concerning their former friends and family. It perfectly captures the nuances of Sam’s relationships and contrasts the transformations those around him undergo as well.
Regardless, Sam’s relationship with Katherine also appears to be awkward and seems to rely on their past interactions a bit too much. Although the movie presents an interesting exploration of the changes one goes through after gender transformation, its narrative becomes a bit too lost because of the emotions that are at play.
Elliot Page plays the role of an awkward young man who is struggling to come to terms with his new identity. While no one will point fingers at Page’s depiction of Sam, there are plenty of other aspects of the movie that may have all played a part in the ratings that it has received thus far.
Close to You is available to watch in theaters, currently.
