In a world where high school experiences are often framed by typical teenage antics, “She’s the He” offers a refreshing and unexpected twist on identity, gender, and self-discovery. Directed by Siobhan McCarthy, the debut feature combines humor and heart in a story about two cisgender boys who fake being transgender to gain access to the girls’ locker room. The farcical premise, reminiscent of the controversial narrative often seen in conservative media, is turned on its head by an insightful and playful exploration of queer identities.
The film’s central characters, Alex (Nico Carney) and Ethan (Misha Osherovich), are high school seniors navigating the challenges of both identity and peer pressure. In a school that, while largely accepting of queer students, still harbors the machismo of jocks, Alex hatches a plan to pretend to be transgender in order to avoid being labeled gay by the school’s homophobic football players and to get closer to his crush, Sasha (Malia Pyles). Ethan, Alex’s more reserved best friend, reluctantly goes along with the scheme, but soon begins to question their own gender identity.
What makes “She’s the He” unique is its use of trans and non-binary actors portraying cisgender characters who are pretending to be trans. This subverts the typical Hollywood narrative where cisgender men have often been cast in trans roles, sometimes to critical acclaim. Instead, McCarthy and her team of trans and non-binary cast members create a playful and fluid space for exploring the complexities of gender, giving a voice to stories often sidelined in mainstream cinema.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of gender identity. While Alex’s plan to pretend to be a trans girl is initially naive and misguided, it serves as a catalyst for both his and Ethan’s journey of self-discovery. For Ethan, this path leads to a quiet exploration of femininity, while Alex grapples with his own masculinity and what it means to perform gender in a high school setting. This exploration is not just comedic; it’s also poignant, particularly in the way Ethan’s evolving sense of self is portrayed.
The performances in “She’s the He” shine, with Carney delivering a hilarious and empathetic portrayal of Alex. His comedic timing and portrayal of teenage masculinity—laced with satire—are spot-on, capturing both the absurdity and vulnerability of a young man trying too hard to fit in. As Alex’s best friend, Osherovich’s portrayal of Ethan is more subdued but equally impactful, capturing the internal conflict of someone beginning to understand and accept their own identity. The film’s choice to cast non-binary and trans actors in these roles adds a layer of authenticity that further enhances its ability to connect with audiences.
While “She’s the He” tackles important themes surrounding gender, identity, and self-acceptance, it never becomes bogged down by heavy-handed social commentary. Instead, McCarthy and her team keep the tone light and humorous, using satire to poke fun at cultural fears around transgender people in public spaces. The film’s climax, set to a song from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” turns a potentially contentious issue into a playful, farcical moment that resists the oppressive narrative often seen in anti-trans rhetoric.
Ultimately, “She’s the He” is not just a comedy; it’s a meaningful exploration of youth, identity, and the fluidity of gender. It may be a wild ride of humor and hijinks, but it’s also a story of two young people navigating the complex world of self-discovery. By focusing on the dynamic between Alex and Ethan, the film offers a heartfelt and timely look at friendship, gender, and the messy, beautiful process of growing up.
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