Directed by Dominic Savage, Close to You marks Elliot Page’s return to the big screen after seven years, and it’s a much-needed comeback. The movie is a blend of family drama and unspoken love, showing why Elliot Page is an Oscar-nominated actor. Page plays Sam, a trans man who visits his hometown after being away for a long time. This role lets him show his skills in both tough and tender moments.
Even though Page has been absent from main film roles, he has been involved in other projects. He produced documentaries like Backspot and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, and appeared in TV shows like Tales of the City and The Umbrella Academy. It’s nice to see him play a character that connects with his own experiences.
In an interview with The Guardian, Page called filming Close to You “a highlight of my life as an actor.” This makes sense when you see his performance. At the start of the film, Sam looks out of his bedroom window, feeling nervous about visiting his family. Going to his family’s house brings up a lot of emotional stress for Sam.
Even though his family means well, they often seem to struggle with truly accepting him. On the train, Sam meets his old crush, Katherine, who is now married with children. Their interaction is friendly but strained, hinting at many unsaid feelings.
Most of the film focuses on Sam’s father, Jim, who becomes his biggest supporter. Sam’s brother-in-law, Paul, is openly transphobic, while Sam’s other family members cause different kinds of pain. Sam’s sister, Kate, expresses surprise at not knowing Sam better while growing up, which highlights the disconnect between their perceptions and his reality.
Sam’s line, “When I was the most unwell, no one f***ing worried,” shows the deep hurt of feeling overlooked by his family during tough times. This raw honesty in the film is both powerful and emotional. Seeing Sam stand up to Paul and his family’s reactions adds weight to the story.
However, Close to You has some issues. Some of the conversations in the movie were improvised, which can make the pacing feel slow and uneven. The subplot of Sam’s relationship with Katherine doesn’t seem to blend well with the main story. Katherine’s character feels underdeveloped, which affects the romantic angle.
The film starts and ends with Sam at a window. While Elliot Page’s performance is memorable, the movie as a whole feels like watching through a foggy window, making it hard to get a clear view of the story.
Despite its flaws, Close to You remains a significant film, particularly because of Elliot Page’s compelling performance. The movie bravely tackles the complexities of family relationships, especially when it comes to acceptance and understanding of a trans identity.
While the pacing and the subplot with Katherine may distract from the overall impact, the core narrative about Sam’s journey home is both heartfelt and relatable. It explores the pain of being misunderstood by those closest to you, the struggle for acceptance, and the bittersweet nature of reconnecting with the past.
The film’s imperfections mirror the imperfections of real-life relationships, making it resonate on a deeper level. Elliot Page’s portrayal of Sam is both honest and vulnerable, capturing the nuances of his character’s emotional state.
Close to You may not be flawless, but it’s a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the longing for genuine connection. It reminds viewers that even in imperfect narratives, powerful truths can emerge and resonate deeply.
