A new comedy, She’s the He, is making waves ahead of its International Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 14. Screening in the festival’s ‘Laugh’ strand, the film promises a fresh and unapologetic take on gender, sexuality, and the complexities of teenage life. The BFI has hailed it as “a proud middle finger to an age of transphobic panic.”

She’s the He marks the feature debut of trans filmmaker Siobhan McCarthy, who conceived the project as a love letter to their younger self, to trans youth everywhere, and to anyone who has ever felt pressured to be someone they are not. The story centres on best friends Alex and Ethan in their final week of school. In an attempt to convince people they’re not gay, the pair concoct a hare-brained scheme: pretending to come out as trans. But as the plan unfolds, Ethan begins to question whether it’s truly just pretend.

The film stars Misha Osherovich (Freaky, The Goldfinch) and newcomer Nico Carney, alongside an impressive supporting cast including Suzanne Cryer, Mark Indelicato, Malia Pyles, Emmett Preciado, Tatiana Ringsby, Aparna Nancherla, and Kyle Butenhoff. Carney, a comedian who has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, brings fresh energy to the project, while Osherovich’s past credits add depth and recognition to the lead.

What sets She’s the He apart is its commitment to authentic representation. The production employed a record number of trans actors and department heads, with McCarthy at the helm, ensuring the story celebrates trans joy, a radical reminder that joy, love, and laughter have always existed in trans communities.

Following its world premiere at SXSW, the film has already generated significant buzz for its witty, heartfelt approach. She’s the He is a comedy by trans people, for trans people, and for anyone ready to challenge stereotypes while laughing along the way.

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