In-Depth Review of "Heightened Scrutiny" at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival

      **Heightened Scrutiny, 2025**

      Directed by Sam Feder.

      Featuring Tre’vell Anderson, Katie Barnes, Mina Brewer, Alberto Cairo, Gina Chua, Jelani Cobb, Laverne Cox, Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Ari Drennen, Eli Erlick, Morgan D. Givens, Julie Hollar, Sabrina Imbler, Alexia Korberg, Wesley Lowery, Maria, Mila, Muna Mire, Miss Peppermint, Elliot Page, Pau, Kae Petrin, Phillip Picardi, Lydia Polgreen, Kyle Pope, Erin Reed, Sarah Stillman, Chase Strangio, Meredith Talusan, Evan Urquhart, Lewis Raven Wallace, and Raquel Willis.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      In the midst of rising anti-trans legislation that Chase Strangio confronts in court, he also battles media bias, shedding light on how press narratives shape public perception and impact the fight for transgender rights. Historical events can be as recent as yesterday or even moments ago, frequently intertwining history with the present. Observing Chase Strangio exiting the Supreme Court after his arguments for United States v. Skrmetti— a pivotal case determining the provision of gender-affirming care to minors—one realizes how limiting the terms ‘history’ and ‘present’ can be. This event took place in December 2024, and the importance of this ruling cannot be overstated, as the Supreme Court’s decision—anticipated this summer—will test the judicial system's capacity to acknowledge the humanity of a section of our society.

      Additionally, numerous executive orders from the current administration directly target the transgender community, aiming to mislead the American public in ways that dehumanize and aim to erase trans individuals. On January 28th, an executive order was issued prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors.

      Feeling isolated is common when it seems the world is against you, yet projects like this illustrate the potential for individuals to unite, rally, and resist swiftly. Importantly, this unity and resistance have always been part of the continuum. The film serves both as a shield for those confronting severe hatred, bigotry, and ignorance, and as a sword against harmful myths and misleading statistics. The pressing question remains whether the right audiences will view it in time.

      Chase Strangio, the first openly transgender attorney to present a case before the Supreme Court, is a compelling figure in the film. While many lawyers aspire to argue in the Supreme Court, Chase feels apprehensive about this opportunity and would rather avoid the spotlight. Nonetheless, he is driven by the desire to represent his community and help avert additional harm to an already vulnerable group.

      I would have appreciated insights into Chase’s experiences as a lawyer, what motivated his current practice, and any advice he might offer on presenting cases to intimidating judges. However, I recognize that this film is designed for an audience that may lack extensive legal knowledge. It could be beneficial to include a basic overview of U.S. law and the appellate process to grasp the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling.

      I hope this film inspires a multitude of similar projects and that we continue to hear more about Chase's journey. May we discover additional resources and avenues to persist in our resistance and help educate others, and I hope this film reaches the individuals who need to see it most urgently, reminding trans people that they are never alone and are deeply valued.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Michael McNeely – Find me on Letterboxd