I am so relieved to find that this movie was not parade of issues, but an intimate portrait of real human beings who happen to be family. Huffman’s character isn’t strong enough to crusade for her rights and beliefs, although she’s intelligent and informed enough. She is a full person, not just a representative of a micro-culture, with layered insecurities.

Her acting is phenomenal. She goes beyond the mannerisms and complex dress of a conservative transexual to the very core of a person making hugely difficult choices.

I was impressed by Kevin Zeggars’ ability to play off of Huffman, as well. Where he could be merely brooding and confused, he presents a fully human, hurting, reactive man-child who is aware of “the right thing to do” and can’t always surface from his pain to do it.

Not a new plot, not even new characters, but so lovingly and fully accomplished.