Laurence Anyways

NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX. NOW AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX DVD. Relationships are complex. Confusing gender roles definitely don't make them any easier. 

Xavier Dolan's Laurence Anyways is a tale of Laurence Alia (Melvil Poupaud,) and his crusade for acceptance and self- awareness. The film spans 10 years of his transition into a woman and the complications it places upon his relationship with his girlfriend, Fred (Suzanne Clément).

A couple that is seemingly open to slapping social norms in the face painfully goes through transsexualism with tension and heartbreak. Perhaps the most moving part about their predicament is their valiant fight to keep their love alive, no matter how impossible it seems.   

Not only is Laurence Anyways such an intriguing story in itself, but the viewer is surprised and tickled by the music, color and ridiculous fashion of the 1980s. 

And of course, what transgender story would be complete without the judgmental eye of family looking on. Nathalie Baye plays Julienne, Laurence's mother, who, while clearly loving her son, represents that parent that could do with understanding you a tad bit better. 

This three hour emotional Quebecois fest is sure to leave a dent in your heart, and an openness in your mind.

Nicole Eicholtz

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