The harrowing true-life case history of Teena Brandon, a young girl from Nebraska who disguised herself as a man, is compassionately brought to the screen here by writer/director Kimberly Peirce. However, while Oscar winner Hilary Swank gives a remarkable performance as the hero(ine), there's an exploitative sordidness to the enterprise that limits our sympathy. (Brandon's girlfriend Lana, portrayed here by Chloë Sevigny, tried to stop the film's release.) Like The Accused, this is not a film for those of a sensitive disposition. Indeed, the ugliness of the film's conclusion is severely at odds with the genuinely touching scenes between Swank and Sevigny that precede it. Still, it's a brave and important work.

A young transgender man explores his gender identity and searches for love in rural Nebraska.