Alle Farben des Lebens

This movie tackles a difficult subject very appropriate for today, with drama but also mild humor. The network of family this teen is growing in, is a diverse cross section of modern families. And though they are living a more progressive lifestyle, this goes to show how difficult this transition period can be for any family. With ties to a child's birth gender and realizing the changes that come with a decision to honor one's own feelings of who they are, families struggle no matter how open minded they may think they are. Or how imperfect they see themselves. This was done with amazing sensitivity to the fact that families are comprised in many different ways, showing the emotions that come when people choose to love, take risks and work towards supporting one another. This may become a cult film as the world catches up with this very real struggle, and the love that overcomes the fear.

This film's generational awareness is a welcome change from the mainstream media's usual treatment of LGBTQ issues as different than other, traditional sexual concerns.

Ray (Elle Fanning) wants to transition to being a boy. He's 16 and needs parental consent. His mother Maggie (Naomi Watts) has to track down his biological father. They live in NYC with Maggie's gay mother Dolly (Susan Sarandon) and her girlfriend Frances. Dolly would rather Ray be a lesbian.

This is tackling an advanced edgy issue. It needs some better writing. The actors are top notch. The story needs to move but it's stuck in molasses. The dream girl probably needs more screen time and played by someone more charismatic. Quite frankly, she needs to be played by somebody like Elle. Ray's flailing attempts at romance is the most compelling story opportunity. There could be love triangles and unrequited love. The bio dad is not that compelling. Despite any weakness in writing, the actors carry the heavy load well especially Elle.

It's a fascinating story about a fragile girl whose only desire is to be a boy and the ramifications this decision has on her family. Ella Fanning displays great teenage angst - throwing tantrums, manipulation, sarcasm, selfishness, it's all there.

Naomi Watts is the stand out, struggling to support her daughter's situation while juggling her own interesting relationships with her ex partners and mothers. Everyone performed their parts well, Susan Sarandon has a minimal presence throughout the film yet is memorable.

I'd have liked to have seen Ray/Ramona's mental instability addressed in the film as you never really understand why she wants to be a boy other than she's merely wanted it so since she was a little girl. Maybe that's all there is to it?

A twisted complicated situation with moments of pure comedy. Elle Fanning is good!