Anything’s Possible review: This trans coming-of-age story makes for an enjoyable watch

Story: Kelsa is a trans girl who is in her final year of high school. She meets Khal during an art class and their adorable encounter blossoms into a relationship. But will their romance survive the scrutiny of their peers?

Review: Over the past few years, major production houses, TV networks, and streaming platforms have made an earnest attempt to give adequate and authentic representation to the LGBTQI+ community in TV series and movies. Shows such as Sex Education, Killing Eve, Gentleman Jack, Betty, Schitt’s Creek, and films like Love, Simon, Blue Is the Warmest Colour, and Call Me by Your Name have been recognised for their honest and sensitive portrayal of gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters on-screen. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of trans representation in the entertainment space. So it delighted fans when the makers of Netflix’s superhero series The Umbrella Academy perfectly handled the transition of the character Vanya Hargreeves to Viktor Hargreeves in the third season of the show after Elliot Page came out as transgender in 2020. Similarly, Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, in Emmy-winning series Euphoria is a path-breaking character in trans representation. The latest to join the list is Billy Porter’s debut film Anything’s Possible that tells a heartwarming coming-of-age story that centres on a trans girl.

The film revolves around Kelsa, a proud and confident Black transgender woman who wishes to navigate the final year of high school without too many complications. She loves animals, and believes what makes them unique is what helps them survive. In her opinion, the statement stands true to humans as well. She has a YouTube vlog, where she talks about her transition, the effects of hormone shots on her body, her best friends “who make her survival look good”, and more. At the same time, she wishes to leave Pittsburgh, go off to college, pursue zoology, become a nature photographer, and live life the way she wants. Things take a turn when she develops a crush on Khal, with whom she is paired up for art class. Khal’s personality is diametrically opposite to Kelsa’s but he likes her for who she really is. Their likeness for each other blossoms into a relationship, which is put to the test when it causes a rift between their friends.

The highlight of the film is Khal and Kelsa’s romance. Although their attraction for each other is almost immediate, Khal takes his time to muster up the courage to ask her out. And when they finally go on their first date, the awkwardness and shyness are so palpable that we find ourselves smiling and rooting for them. It’s cute and endearing.

The screenplay by Ximena García Lecuona also spends time in establishing Kelsa and Khal’s family backgrounds and their equation with their parents. Kelsa lives with her mother who strives to “protect” her, although Kelsa wants her to be just like any other “average” moms. She is not overly domineering neither is she too lenient. Whereas, Khal comes from a conservative household. His parents want him to pursue a four-year course while Khal has his mind set on something else. These subplots and the supporting characters enhance the overall story and keeps us invested in the film.

However, the screenplay fails to flesh out the characters of their friends, and this bogs down the film to an extent. Khal’s best friend Otis comes across as close-minded and can be seen saying lines like “She’s a dude you know.” Similarly, one of Kelsa’s best friends Em, who had a crush on Khal, tries to get back at her. These characters exist to create tension and drama in the story but they are underdeveloped. Moreover, the film seems to be a bit rushed in the second half.

But these flaws are overshadowed by Khal and Kelsa’s chemistry and an engaging love story that makes us connect with the protagonists. Potter deserves praise for handling the topic with care and sensitivity.

Eva Reign is perfect as Kelsa. She brings in a great deal of energy and charisma to the character. Abubakr Ali, who plays Khal, wins us over with his charm and innocence. Renée Elise Goldsberry’s character as Kelsa’s mom is very likable and she aces the part. The film also features Courtnee Carter, Kelly Lamor Wilson, Grant Reynolds, Caroline Travers, Lav Raman, and Tordy Clark.

Verdict: Anything's Possible is not perfect. But its simple story with relatable characters make us endear the film. It’s one such film that would make us smile as well as introspect.