"I’m Your Venus" (2024), a documentary directed by Kimberly Reed, a director know for "
Prodigal Sons" (2008), is a poignant and timely exploration of Venus Xtravaganza's unsolved murder and the continuing impact of her legacy on both her biological and ballroom families. A rising star in the New York City ballroom scene, Venus was tragically murdered at the age of 23 in December 1988. Her death remains an open case to this day.
Venus was immortalized in Jennie Livingston's iconic 1991 documentary "
Paris Is Burning", where her candid reflections about her life, dreams, and struggles as a transgender woman in the ballroom world captivated audiences. Venus shared her hopes for a modeling career, marriage, and motherhood - dreams she never had the chance to fulfill. Now, 35 years later, "I’m Your Venus" picks up where "
Paris Is Burning" left off. It follows Venus' brothers - John, Joe, and Louie Pellagatti - as they attempt to uncover the truth behind her murder and secure a posthumous legal name change to honor her true identity. The Pellagatti brothers, who grew up with Venus in New Jersey, delve into NYPD records to try to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death. They also aim to legally change Venus’ name, ensuring that her memory is preserved with dignity and respect.
The documentary is a deeply emotional exploration of family dynamics, loss, and redemption. Venus’ biological family, particularly her brothers, reflect on their complicated relationship with her. As the Pellagatti brothers admit, their understanding of Venus’ gender identity was limited at the time of her death. Though they never stopped loving her, they struggled to accept her as a transgender woman, and this lack of acceptance alienated Venus in life. It is only now, years after her death, that the brothers are coming to terms with their past and seeking justice. In contrast to the Pellagatti brothers’ journey, "I’m Your Venus" also focuses on the family Venus chose: the House of Xtravaganza. This ballroom community was her source of acceptance and love, and it continues to carry forward her legacy. The film introduces members of the House, including Gisele Xtravaganza, the current House Mother, who knew Venus personally and continues to honor her memory.
The documentary beautifully captures the growing bond between Venus’ biological and chosen families as they work together to celebrate her legacy and seek justice. This collaboration is deeply moving, especially as Gisele Xtravaganza, alongside many others in the ballroom community, has realized the successful modeling career that Venus dreamed about in "
Paris Is Burning". The intersection of these two families - the Pellagattis and the Xtravaganzas - offers a unique and healing perspective on Venus' life and the challenges she faced. As "I’m Your Venus" weaves between past and present, it highlights the emotional evolution of the Pellagatti brothers, who gradually learn more about Venus’ life and the harsh realities she endured as a transgender woman in a world that often rejected her. Through their conversations with the House of Xtravaganza, the brothers come to understand how their lack of acceptance and understanding affected Venus, and the grief they now carry as a result. A crucial part of the film’s emotional depth comes from its use of archival footage from "
Paris Is Burning", which provides the only known visual documentation of Venus. Reed uses this footage not only to revisit Venus’ personality and dreams but to allow her to speak for herself, offering a powerful and haunting presence throughout the documentary. These scenes serve as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding the audience of Venus’ indelible impact on the ballroom scene and the transgender community.
The documentary also explores the ongoing struggles that trans and queer communities face today, drawing a direct line from the violence and discrimination Venus experienced to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals now. The film includes a potent sequence dedicated to O'Shae Sibley, a dancer and choreographer murdered in 2023 for voguing at a Brooklyn gas station. Sibley’s death serves as a painful reminder of the violence that continues to affect queer and trans people, particularly those of color. However, the documentary also showcases the resilience of the ballroom community, which continues to fight for justice and acceptance. The memorial and rally for Sibley, where the ballroom community gathered to honor his life, powerfully encapsulate the strength of this vibrant community, which answers hate with fierce, unapologetic self-expression and solidarity. Reed’s direction brings a rare intimacy and sincerity to the film, using a verité style to capture moments with the Pellagatti brothers, whether in their homes, legal meetings, or private reflections.
Cinematographers Joshua Z. Weinstein and Rose Bush, who also shot the Oscar-winning short "Colette", help create an unobtrusive visual style that gives the film a raw, immediate quality. This approach allows the audience to feel as though they are part of the journey, emotionally and physically present as the brothers navigate their complex feelings and the painful process of seeking justice. A key strength of "I’m Your Venus" is its quiet, measured tone. The film avoids sensationalizing the story and instead allows the deeply moving narrative to unfold naturally. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths, including the grim details of Venus' murder, but it handles these moments with respect and care, honoring her memory and legacy. Ultimately, the film is about memory, reconciliation, and the complexity of family dynamics. It shows how it’s never too late to make amends, to seek justice, and to ensure that those we have lost too soon are remembered with dignity and love.
The documentary also serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural significance of "Paris Is Burning", which has been a lifeline for countless people in the LGBTQ+ community. As Reed’s documentary unfolds, we see how Venus’ story continues to inspire and empower new generations. Through the Pellagatti brothers' journey and the collaboration between Venus' two families, "I’m Your Venus" delivers a powerful message of hope, healing, and the importance of community. As Reed weaves the story of Venus’ unsolved murder, her family's search for justice, and the continuing vibrancy of the ballroom scene, the film leaves the audience with a sense of both loss and possibility. "I’m Your Venus" is a moving tribute to a woman who, though taken from the world too soon, continues to inspire, heal, and empower. Through this documentary, her legacy lives on, reminding us of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and the strength found in community.
Image credits: YouTube
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