Reviewed by Neil Davey
Stars Ricardo Darin, Ines Efron, Martin Piroyansky,
Valeria Bertuccelli, German Palacios, Carolina Pelleritti,
Guillermo Angelelli, Cesar Troncoso, Jean Pierre Reguerraz
Written by Lucia Puenzo, from a story by Sergio Bizzio
Certification UK 15 | US tbc
Runtime 86 minutes
Directed by Lucia Puenzo
It's so often the films you don't expect to blow you away that do precisely that. Take XXY. A drama about a genetically — and genitally — muddled teenager isn't going to trouble a mass audience more interested in the contents of Robert Downey's metal suit than Ines Efron's pants and that's a great pity. XXY — a reference to the lead's unusual chromosomes — is a beautifully acted, movingly written and highly unusual coming of age drama.
The hermaphroditic Alex (Efron) has been raised as a girl by her parents, but, as she reaches maturity, they think a decision needs to be made about her future: essentially, woman or man? They invite an old friend — a surgeon — for the weekend to discuss the matter, and he brings his family, including teenage son Alvaro (Piroyansky). Alvaro, unaware of Alex's situation, finds her/him fascinating and they begin an awkward, fumbling relationship.
This is a remarkable achievement by newcomer Puenzo, a sensitive and thorough analysis of its unusual subject matter interwoven with a charming and tender teenage romance. Of sorts. Acting honours are pretty much split between the leads, and Efrom and Piroyansky are astonishing, but it's probably Darin, as Alex's father, who edges it. Best known here for his role in Nine Queens, Darin is captivating and understated as the father who, whether it's to the knife or maturity, is losing his daughter. Great performances, an original story, a thorough analysis of the central issue and "change" from 90 minutes. Very good indeed.