Metamorphosis (Filipino/Tagalog)

Intersex is a topic that I snot often discussed and we really haven't seen much content about it. After all, it is a tricky subject. As it is, adolescence can be rough, regardless of your background or current circumstances, and on top of that if you have to spend time figuring out your gender, that could likely lead to a lot of therapy sessions, awkward moments and uncomfortable conversations. This film is story of one such teenager Adam, who is raised as a boy and how things change when he gets his first period.

Adam, born with both male and female genitals was raised as a boy. He is a touch cookie who picks up fights with classmates if they bully him. This secret is only known to the family but hasn't bothered anyone till now. But things start to get complicated when he first falls for a new transfer in his school, and then immediately gets his first period. His parents consult a specialist doctor, who does some tests and it is confirmed that Adam has equal amount of both female and male hormones and depending on the choice and direction that Adam wants a surgery can be provided. A new girl Angel joins his class around same time , who is older than Adam. They become really good friends and she is the only person who eventually finds out about this secret when they both try to get physical. The religious pastor father decides that Adam should get surgery and transition into girl immediately , which throws off Adam completely. He has not had the time to think yet of whether he wants to be identified as a boy or girl or something else , so he cant handle the pressure. Eventually the mother makes father see sense and they decide that just because of social norms, they are not going to rush into any surgery. Only when Adam would figure out what he wants, only then next step would be taken.

First. Things first, what a beautiful performance by the actor playing Adam. His performance is honest in a way I wasn’t quite expecting, and it’s largely down to his act that the movie works as much as it does. The actor has both male and female charm making him an apt choice for the role of an intersex teenager. His performance brings a sincere and heavy vulnerability, he gives a strong feel of personal perspective to the film. There’s a huge sympathy at work but he’s also got the rebellious, arrogant and defensive side to him, he’s not simply the nice guy. It gives a great authenticity to his experience, to see the struggle, denial and the classic refusal to take things seriously that goes along with being a teenager.  I have not written much about Angel and her role in Adam's journey but it plays a very critical part of Adam's growth and sexuality. The makers have dealt this subject with utmost respect and dignity that it deserves. The secret that Adam is intersex comes out much later in the film. And thankfully it isn’t played for shock, instead the reasoning for this delay is to ensure that the audience sees Adam as a fully fleshed out character, one who isn’t defined entirely by his gender. Since Adam has been raised a boy till now (when he gets his periods and will likely also soon start seeing breast enlargement), we see he /him pronouns being used in the film. I liked how the film tries to address a lot of things here - ideas of gender stereotypes, especially in conservative communities, how sometime elders force their decisions on kids when it is the child who has to live the life eventually, and how they can often not reflect the wishes of the child. Towards the end of the film we finally see Adam's full body, which might get controversial. 

Metamorphosis presents a personal, honest portrayal of a young, intersex man coming to terms with his identity. It’s a well made, engaging piece of work with the potential to be enjoyed by a wide audience, and for many, Metamorphosis is likely to be a transformative experience. (7.5/10)