Tackling the Unseen ‘I’ in LGBTQIA
Read Time:4 Minute, 8 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
Every Body
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Julie Cohen
Where To Watch: released in theaters on June 30, 2023
RAVING REVIEW: EVERY BODY, a brilliantly crafted film directed by Julie Cohen, is set to wow audiences as it delves into the often overlooked experiences of intersex individuals. And the stars of this cinematic journey? The dynamic trio of River Gallo, Alicia Roth Weigel, and Sean Saifa Wall. With their intellect and empathy shining through, this film takes us from the heart of Hollywood to the streets of Austin, breaking down preconceived notions about intersexuality.
At a time when transgender rights garner widespread attention, EVERY BODY takes the stage, spotlighting the uncannily similar challenges that intersex individuals face. It's a film that unapologetically strips away the veils of secrecy and unwarranted surgical interventions, revealing a stark reality of medical malpractices in a bid for conformity.
In EVERY BODY, the often overlooked 'I' in LGBTQIA comes to the fore. Prepare to have your perspective broadened: almost 1.7% of the population exhibits intersex traits! EVERY BODY is a call for awareness and understanding for a demographic that has long remained on the outskirts of mainstream conversation. I consider myself a very progressive individual, but I didn’t know much about this community. This film helped me understand more about them and their struggles for so long, from unrequested interventions at birth to dating issues, to the same hatred and bigotry that the rest of the LGBTQIA community faces.
Viewers are welcomed into the lives of Alicia, River, and Saifa through Cohen's storytelling. She zooms into their struggles and successes, then pans out to the controversial practice of gender reassignment surgeries on intersex newborns, a stark illustration of a glaring violation of human rights. Adding a layer of depth to the narrative is the tragic story of David Reimer, a young boy pushed into an unwanted gender reassignment surgery. His tale intertwines with the lives of our intersex cast, highlighting the lifelong repercussions of such medically invasive interventions.
The emotional toll of these experiences doesn't go unnoticed in EVERY BODY. The film takes a stand against the stark gender binary, promoting the acceptance of intersex individuals in all their authentic glory. Every frame of the documentary courageously navigates the aftermath of enforced gender reassignment surgeries. One can't help but be moved by Alicia's heartfelt disclosure about being labeled as 'female' at birth, despite her genetically male (XY) chromosomes, leading to the unwarranted removal of her internal testes.
EVERY BODY isn't all grim revelations, though. It skilfully navigates between sad truths and lighter moments. Not one to tiptoe around societal norms, EVERY BODY throws in a few well-aimed jabs at our society's obsession with the gender binary, highlighting the absurdity of gender reveal parties.
In EVERY BODY, emotions run high, swinging from joy to sorrow to hope, but this varied palette enriches the viewing experience. As the movie concludes, Saifa Wall's moving speech offers a deeper look into the heart of the issues that EVERY BODY explores.
The project began as an archival documentary and took an unexpected turn when Cohen came across the Reimer case during her 2018 tenure at NBC News Studios. The integration of these real-life stories, along with the repercussions of the gay and trans rights movements, has profoundly shaped the narrative of EVERY BODY.
EVERY BODY is more than just a movie – it's a compelling appeal for acceptance and understanding. Hitting select theaters on June 30th, 2023, it's a film that masterfully employs education and emotion to shine a light on a misunderstood community. It amplifies unheard voices, telling stories that demand attention. So, as you settle down for this cinematic journey, remember: you might not walk away with a feel-good ending, but you'll undoubtedly gain a wealth of understanding and empathy.
Also, huge props to Danielle Solzman at www.solzyatthemovies.com for opening my eyes; part of their review read, “I’m so used to watching Julie Cohen co-direct with Betsy West, so to see her on a solo venture just feels different.” I was genuinely confused, but after checking on IMDb, I saw they worked together on GABBY GIFFORDS WON’T BACK DOWN, JULIA, and RGB, so I understand what they’re saying! Those are some incredible titles, and I should have recognized the names.
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[photo courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES]
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[…] For those who want to learn more about Alicia’s tireless work, the documentary EVERY BODY complements INVERSE COWGIRL’s themes. This visual narration, spotlighting three valiant intersex individuals, echoes the themes of resilience, struggle, and advocacy. Click here for my review of EVERY BODY […]