Tras

Director: Medb Johnstone
Release Year: 2019

Tras a poignant and intimate 2019 documentary directed by Medb Johnstone, stands as one of the most impactful and heartfelt documentaries to emerge from Ireland in recent years. The film follows a young Irish trans couple, Max from Sligo and Victoria from Cavan, as they navigate the complexities of identity, love, and the struggle to access appropriate medical care in a society that is often reluctant to fully support their needs.

 

Over the span of six months, the documentary delves deep into the couple's personal lives, showing their journey not just as individuals but also as a couple faced with obstacles that come with being part of a marginalized community. The raw and candid nature of the film captures the delicate nuances of their experiences, giving a voice to one of Ireland's smallest and most overlooked minorities. Max and Victoria are not only boyfriend and girlfriend but also share the experience of being trans in a world that does not always understand or support their journeys. Their story begins in the Gaeltacht, a region where the Irish language is spoken, and where the couple first met. Their relationship, which has spanned a few years, is marked by shared love, mutual respect, and an ongoing exploration of their gender identities. While Victoria is pursuing a degree in film studies, Max is focused on biotechnology. Both are young, intelligent, and ambitious individuals, but their identities as trans people add a layer of complexity to their lives that cannot be overlooked.

 

A significant challenge for the couple is the lack of accessible and adequate medical care for trans people in Ireland. In "Tras," the couple’s journey takes them to Warsaw, Poland, where they seek out the medical attention that is unavailable to them at home. This aspect of their story underscores one of the harshest realities for many trans people in Ireland: the limitations of the healthcare system, which often leaves individuals without the necessary support to transition in a safe and timely manner. This trip to Warsaw is not only a physical journey but a symbolic one, highlighting the lengths to which the couple must go to ensure their own well-being and authenticity. Tras is a radical documentary for several reasons. One of its most striking features is that it is partly filmed in the Irish language. This choice adds a layer of cultural significance to the film, as it not only tells the story of two young trans individuals but also does so within the context of Irish-speaking communities. The use of the Irish language serves to emphasize the unique intersection between Ireland’s cultural heritage and the contemporary struggles of marginalized communities within the country.

 

However, the film’s true power lies in the quiet strength of its protagonists. Max and Victoria are not presented as tragic figures or as symbols of a political cause. Instead, they are portrayed as real people with real lives, hopes, dreams, and fears. Through their eyes, the audience is invited into their world - a world where love and identity are intricately intertwined, and where the process of becoming one’s true self is both beautiful and painful. The film also examines the reactions of those around Max and Victoria. One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the portrayal of their families. The parents of both Max and Victoria are open about the struggles they have faced in coming to terms with their children’s transitions. These moments of vulnerability are significant, as they humanize the experience of acceptance and change. Rather than presenting these parents as either wholly supportive or entirely rejecting, Tras paints a nuanced picture of the complexities of familial love and the difficult, sometimes painful, path toward understanding.

 

Unlike many documentaries that sensationalize or exploit their subjects, Tras avoids a sensationalist tone. Instead, it focuses on honesty and realism. It doesn’t strive to present a polished or idealized version of Max and Victoria’s lives, nor does it shy away from the difficulties they face. The documentary’s strength lies in its refusal to fit into conventional narratives about trans lives. By allowing the couple to be themselves - flawed, imperfect, and unapologetically real - Tras offers a powerful statement on the importance of authenticity and self-expression. The film also shines a light on the experiences of trans people within Irish society. Though Ireland has made strides in recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, trans individuals remain one of the smallest and most marginalized minorities in the country. Tras provides a rare and essential glimpse into their lives, offering a platform for voices that are often overlooked. The documentary’s quiet yet powerful storytelling underscores the importance of representation for marginalized groups, allowing viewers to see beyond stereotypes and misconceptions to the humanity that connects us all.

 

One of the key themes explored in Tras is the idea of growth - both personal and collective. Max and Victoria are on a journey of self-discovery, learning to navigate the world as their true selves. But their story is also about the growth of the people around them, from their families to the wider community. The documentary gently encourages viewers to reflect on their own understanding of gender, identity, and acceptance. By showcasing the challenges and triumphs of this young trans couple, Tras invites the audience to reconsider preconceived notions about what it means to be trans, to love, and to live authentically. In conclusion, Tras is more than just a documentary about a young trans couple; it is a profound exploration of love, identity, and the ongoing struggle for acceptance in a world that is often slow to change. Directed by Medb Johnstone, the film captures the intimate and personal moments of Max and Victoria’s journey, offering a rare and authentic portrayal of trans lives in Ireland. Through its use of the Irish language, its honest depiction of familial relationships, and its focus on the quiet strength of its protagonists,

 

Tras stands as a powerful and important work in the landscape of contemporary Irish cinema. It is a documentary that invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gender, identity, and love, and, above all, to celebrate the courage it takes to live as one’s true self.

 

via: tg4.ie

ifi.ie and themoviedb.org

Image credits: tg4.ie