Zerophilia

I was a little skeptical to watch this movie when I first heard about it. I couldn't tell if it was a comedy or a drama. Yet, within the first five minutes of the film, I was really too impressed with Taylor Handley natural acting skills and lovable portrayal of "Luke," to really care.

"Zerophilia" ended up being funny and dramatic at the same time. The whole idea of switching genders through a genetic condition somehow worked in the story's overall message of acceptance-no matter who you are.

I think I'll watch it again, if not just to see the reaction of everyone in the theater in the shocking scene with Luke (wow).

Without dropping any spoilers - though if you're reading this you probably already know too much ;) - I'd sum the point of this movie as "before you can find your soul-mate, you have to truly know your own soul". It playfully & non judgmentally deals with gender roles, and desires. It's cute, at times contrived - but I'll cut them lots of slack, because this is an unusual plot and moving the story along sometimes takes some real contortions. The cast is all wonderful & likable - even those who could be deemed 'villains' have their own understandable logic. In a world of teenage comedies about finding sex, recreational substances, or adventures involving large amounts of toilet humour, this is anything but a mainstream movie. Still, for those who took the effort to seek it out, it's a worthwhile, and heartwarming watch. Does using the term "heartwarming" constitute a spoiler? ;)

See it at least twice. Once with fresh eyes, and again with wisdom.

This film is an affirmative coming of age film for a teenage man with a condition that makes him change sex when he has sex.

The plot is very original and innovative. I have never thought about anything remotely like that before! On the surface, it is a film about an imaginary genetic condition called zerophilia. It explores self discovery and self acceptance. Luke finds out that he in fact like guys, tries to change this but fails. Then he accepted himself as who he is, and starts a relationship with Max. This very much mirrors the sexual discovery of adolescents.

This film brings a positive message about self acceptance, as highlighted in the symbolic scene of Luke given a light blue top for ladies. It's OK whoever you choose to be.

The positive message is portrayed in an entertaining way. I hope this message can reach a wider audience!

I saw ZEROPHILIA on Showtime last night; and, I found it to be is a very unusual and unique comedy, to say the least.

First off, the cast is wonderful and each character is likable. That's only because the acting was so exceptional. Taylor Handley as Luke; and, Marieh Delfino as Luka really pulled this one off. They look enough alike; but, it's the attitude, mannerisms and gestures that really work.

Also, Rebecca Mozo as Michelle and Kyle Schmid as Max are excellent foils to our hero/heroine. In addition, I was absolutely thrilled to see Gina Bellmen (of Coupling fame) in her role as Dr. Sydney – WOW, what a performance!

ZEROPHILIA is easy-going and non-judgmentally in its presentation of gender roles – I mean just look at the title sequence, "Microangelo Entertainment" and "Scambled Egg Productions" – these guys aren't taking themselves too seriously.

This one's an odd one that's actually oddly enjoyable.

"Zerophilia" imagines a world in which a communicable disease exists that causes sexual partners to suddenly change gender.

The change is triggered in macho Heath Ledger lookalike Luke, who promptly transforms into sexy babe "Luca" after a backseat tryst with a gal played by "Weird Science" hottie Kelly LeBrock, whose star has clearly fallen so, so far.

What's charming about this movie is the way the characters so awkwardly navigate their male and female selves. Some humor is tossed in as their friends struggle to deal with these abrupt changes.

The "odd" comes in at, of course, the premise, as well as how expertly the casting director matched the male and female representations of each character. Their physical similarities made the film's low-budget transformation SFX seem like straight-up magic.

It's not as laugh-out-loud funny as you might expect, but is a lot more enjoyable than you might expect, too, thanks to some endearing performances and a sensitive script.