Calay News
Canadian actor Elliot Page is on a mission with his latest film, “Close to You,” which he hopes will touch the hearts and minds of its audience, just as it did for him. Premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, this compelling movie delves into the story of Page’s character, Sam, who returns home after undergoing gender transition, bracing himself for the inevitable awkward questions and comments from family members.
Co-written by Page himself and directed by Dominic Savage, “Close to You” draws inspiration from Page’s own life journey as a transgender individual. Page, renowned for his Oscar-nominated role in “Juno” (2007), publicly came out as transgender in 2020, making this project deeply personal and meaningful.
The 37-year-old actor revealed his initial nervousness about making a film heavily reliant on improvisation. However, Savage’s direction created a safe and nurturing environment for the entire cast to fully explore their characters. Page shared, “It allowed us to feel free and limitless and dive into the material, and it worked.”
At its core, “Close to You” delves into themes of human connection and the significance of feeling truly seen. Page believes these themes resonate with a broad audience, making the film’s impact potentially far-reaching.
Actress Hillary Baack, who portrays Katherine, a high school friend of Sam’s, described the experience as ‘challenging’ in the best possible way. She expressed how liberating it was to immerse herself deeply in the story, emphasizing the privilege of delving into such moments for an extended duration.
“Close to You” is poised to not only entertain but also educate and create empathy, thanks to Elliot Page’s personal commitment to telling a compelling and authentic story of self-discovery and acceptance. As it continues to make waves at film festivals, it promises to be a film that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
