Originally called “Three Generations,” The Weinstein Company’s family drama is now titled “About Ray” and is landing in theaters next month. Starring three generation of women, Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon, the family drama is directed by Gaby Dellal (“On A Clear Day”). “About Ray” centers on a teenager, the titular lead character (Fanning), who no longer identifies with her female gender and wants to transition into becoming a man and the issues this causes the rest of the matriarchs in the family.
With “Transparent,” “Orange Is The New Black,” “Tangerine” and the upcoming “The Danish Girl” drama enjoying critical acclaim and making headlines, all these narratives are creating a safe and empathic environment to discuss issues of transgenderism. “About Ray” couldn’t have come at a better time. The topic is in the air, arguably capturing the zeitgeist in a major way thanks to strides made by brave people like Caitlyn Jenner. Here’s the official synopsis:
ABOUT RAY tells the stirring and touching story of three generations of a family living under one roof in New York as they must deal with the life-changing transformation by one that ultimately affects them all. Ray (Elle Fanning) is a teenager who has come to the realization that she isn’t meant to be a girl and has decided to transition from female to male. His single mother, Maggie (Naomi Watts), must track down Ray’s biological father (Tate Donovan) to get his legal consent to allow Ray’s transition. Dolly (Susan Sarandon), Ray’s lesbian grandmother is having a hard time accepting that she now has a grandson. They must each confront their own identities and learn to embrace change and their strength as a family in order to ultimately find acceptance and understanding.
Due in theaters September 18th, it’s possible we could see the film announced in the next wave of Toronto International Film Festival announcements. In the meantime, watch the first trailer for the movie below.
