Tribeca Review: It's Dorothy! Chronicles 125 Years of Happiness.

      When I hear the name "Dorothy," my thoughts, like many others, immediately go to The Wizard of Oz. I recall watching the film as a child, sitting together with my family on the couch. My parents referred to it as "a classic." Over the 125 years since her debut in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy Gale has become associated with many different elements, from Kansas and ruby red slippers to Judy Garland and a symbol of the 1950s LGBTQ+ community.

      Jeffrey McHale has created a documentary that explores the character of Dorothy Gale in her entirety. Over the past 125 years, she has been portrayed across nearly every medium, including over 40 films, TV shows, novels, and plays. It’s Dorothy! follows Dorothy through Garland and every subsequent portrayal, examining each actor who has taken on the role and her evolving cultural significance. Ultimately, it’s a documentary centered on joy.

      McHale highlights the joy and relatability that Dorothy has provided to many, from her viewers to the actors who have played her. He interviews a remarkable array of talent, featuring discussions with Rufus Wainwright and John Waters, Ashanti and Danielle Hope, as well as comedians Amber Ruffin and Lena Waithe. Instead of overly relying on the typical talking-head format, McHale skillfully complements their commentary with visuals from their productions. The interviews feel meaningful; these actors cherish Dorothy and want McHale (and the audience) to understand why. This diverse group of creatives, all influenced by Dorothy—even if that influence is nostalgic—reminded me of my own love for the film when I first experienced it. The Wizard of Oz is a journey, a fairy tale, a narrative about escapism and acceptance. And it has always been delightful.

      The audience receives a comprehensive look at how Dorothy has evolved over the decades, appearing in both campy and serious contexts, offering insight into the character beyond her ruby slippers or the yellow brick road. It recontextualizes Dorothy as a symbol of freedom and expression, from Garland’s portrayal to what she has come to represent. McHale dedicates attention to Dorothy’s significance within the queer community, highlighting the phrase "a friend of Dorothy" and how Garland became a gay icon partly due to her role in The Wizard of Oz.

      I found myself smiling throughout, even though my connection to Dorothy Gale is much less profound than that of those featured in the documentary. McHale maintains a vibrant energy that permeates It’s Dorothy! Rather than descending into the potential negatives of playing the character, the documentary focuses on how these actors interpreted her, showcasing how she enlivened both their public personas and personal lives. The director incorporates a wealth of archival footage, allowing the audience to witness the many transformations of the character and her performers. It’s akin to revisiting every creative expression of Dorothy in a condensed 97 minutes—pure enjoyment for enjoyment’s sake.

      In doing so, McHale revitalizes Dorothy as a character who has been around for 125 years, connecting her to the present. For those with a connection to The Wizard of Oz, the experience will resonate even more, but McHale aims for his film to be universally relatable. In his perspective, Dorothy represents not just you or me; she embodies everyone.

      It’s Dorothy! made its debut at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.