Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Earnest trans drama has strong language, suicide references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Close to You
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CLOSE TO YOU follows the personal journey of Sam (Elliot Page), a transgender man who is returning home for the first time in years, hoping to find love and acceptance after transitioning. As he confronts old family wounds and rekindles a first love, Sam discovers healing, growth, and a newfound confidence to live authentically.
Is It Any Good?
While at times disjointed, this sincere, intimate drama offers themes of living authentically, learning to love and accept yourself, having empathy, and finding growth and healing. With Close to You, Page vulnerably tears open the emotional scars of his own transition journey, giving an earnest performance.
Alas, the plot is a bit thin, with a story that lacks focus and direction, leaving the film feeling uneven. Still, this personal drama may feel like a gut punch for some viewers, given its big themes and thought-provoking feelings. It balances quiet conversations and heated arguments with care and sensitivity, and its emotional truths do hit home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Close to You is trying to say about identity, acceptance, and belonging. Do you think this film encourages viewers to see situations from perspectives other than their own? Why, or why not?
Why is it important for films to show different kinds of life experiences, perspectives, and identities on-screen? How can movies influence the way we see people who are different from us and issues we may not know much about?
What emotions does this film bring up for you? How do close-up scenes and quiet conversations affect the way that viewers experience Sam's emotions?
How does the story show the importance of courage and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 16, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 17, 2024
- Cast : Elliot Page , Wendy Crewson , Hillary Baack , Peter Outerbridge
- Director : Dominic Savage
- Inclusion Information : Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Transgender Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Greenwich Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : March 20, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate