‘She’s The He’ Review – A Sharp, Funny And Tender Exploration Of Identity And Self-Expression [LFF 2025]

On-screen coming-of-age stories have surged in recent years. Not only because cinema is the perfect medium for visually expressive storytelling and emotionally packed narratives, but also because the journey to self-discovery is one many of us take every day. On top of that, stories about self-expression and the longing for another sex often yield hilarious scripts, heartfelt portraits, and raw perspectives on current social topics. Made from the same mould as its predecessors, comes She’s the He. In their full-length feature debut, writer/director Siobhan McCarthy cleverly turns prejudices against the trans community on its head and into a meaningful, fast-paced movie exploring identity and social stigma.

Opening with colourful animation and a vibrant palette that will run throughout the film, McCarthy introduces you to high school best friends Alex (Nico Carney) and Ethan (Misha Osherovich). Going to college while being a virgin seems like hell on earth for many young adults, including Alex. Getting the girl (and laid) seems impossible when all of his classmates think he and Ethan are dating. To get closer to his crush, Sasha (Malia Pyles), Alex hatches a plan and drags Ethan into it after a little bit of convincing. From now on, they pretend to be transgender, gaining access to the girls’ locker rooms and their hearts. However, who knew that a lie like that would turn into a poignant reveal that would also change their lives forever?

Posing as a trans woman to prove that you’re not gay might seem offensive at first. However, it instantly becomes clear that Alex’s intentions aren’t founded in transphobia, but more in making the girls feel safe. Yes, it might be a foolish route to take – surely just speaking up about his feelings for Sasha would be better – but that doesn’t mean he’s mocking the transgender community. His personal revelation about being a transgender woman gives him an immense boost in confidence. Isn’t that something we all want and deserve? Having the confidence and self-respect to be who we want to be, truly?

Also, Alex’s moment of stupidity sets the movie’s magic in motion. At first, Carney takes the spotlight with a comedic performance as the goofy, serial mistake-maker Alex, as he comes up with the scheme. However, once the plan is underway and Ethan realises they’re actually transgender, that’s when Osherovich (Freaky) gradually becomes the true shining star of this film. Yes, Ethan goes along with their friend’s ill-conceived plan, but seeing their face lit up like that when they can be themselves makes us forget that one tiny flaw. All the more because Osherovich portrays their character in the most enchanting way possible.

Both characters never become stereotypes or too flamboyant. That’s because the actors find the right balance between embracing their new, more feminine and colourful identity and not going over the top. Ethan serves as Alex’s grounded anchor, while Alex pulls Ethan out of their comfort zone and allows them to be who they really are, with electric chemistry as a result.

What makes both Alex’s plan and the story not mean-spirited or transphobic is that the movie dares to ask the difficult questions and delve into challenging subjects. The feature doesn’t shy away from critiquing the fact that a woman’s worth is still being determined by how she looks. Right after coming out, Ethan gets their make-up done by Sasha. The former wants to secretly experience what it’s like, while the latter is still testing the waters to see whether her new friend is telling the truth. When Ethan looks in the mirror, they talk down about their appearance, and according to Sasha, that’s precisely why they’re already a true woman. No matter how long you’ve considered yourself a woman, it’s clear that you feel that your value is tied to how you look.

During that moment in the make-up chair, you’ll also witness Ethan’s twinkle in their eyes for the first time, as well as their sudden vulnerability. The film also critiques the idea that women are considered soft or dramatic when they show that exact vulnerability. Being able to express your emotions is something no one should be judged for—man, woman, or non-binary.

If this movie had been made by another director and/or in the late ’90s or early 2000s, it could have turned out to be the mockery it might be on paper. However, in the hands of McCarthy and their team, from which the majority identify as transgender, queer, or gender non-conforming, it becomes a passion project with maximum genuineness and immense love for the LGBTQ+ community. While this doesn’t mean that a director can’t create a film about identities other than their own, the shared experiences of the people involved in this movie elevate the authenticity and poignance to a whole new level.

While the script could have understandably been seen as a malicious critique of the community it’s about, it turns out to be a sharp, funny, and tender exploration of identity, self-expression, and gender in society. The butt of the movie’s jokes isn’t the transgender people themselves, but the societal barriers they face. Let’s hope that this film can contribute – even a little – to those barriers going down.

She’s the He is part of the Comedy section at the BFI London Film Festival 2025.

Director: Siobhan McCarthy

Writer: Siobhan McCarthy

Rated: NR

Runtime: 81m