CLOSE TO YOU
Dominic Savage‘s CLOSE TO YOU finds Sam as he returns home for the first time in four years. Intense feelings come from every angle as he lives an authentic life for the first time.
Each character experiences a unique form of grief that only those with trans loved ones can speak to. It is a dichotomy of emotions, loss, and celebration. Page and Savage do not sugarcoat it. One particular character provokes with his hypermasculinity, rage, and ignorance. It is an essential part of the narrative. It is raw, tender, tense, and cathartic.
CLOSE TO YOU feels like a documentary from the acting and handheld camera work. The script, co-penned by Page and Savage, is exquisitely crafted. The cast’s chemistry is so organic. The film feels like a genuine ensemble piece, delving into mental health, parenting, fear, and truth.
Hillary Baack delivers a beautiful performance. She gives Katherine a different kind of wound. Elliot Page goes to magic places. We should thank him for allowing us into such an intimate space. Witnessing Page take in the dialogue feels like a privilege. Baack and Page connect on a pure level that pours off the screen.
CLOSE TO YOU delivers a gut punch of complex feelings, like a walk down memory lane for anyone with family drama or deep, unrequited love. As a parent, you will be unable to hold in your emotions. It will hit on a different level. It is undeniably a remarkable and vital film.
Check Out The Trailer Here!
In Theaters Nationwide on August 16!
**World Premiere – 2023 Toronto International Film Festival**
**Official Selection – 2024 BFI Flare**
**Official Selection – 2024 NewFest
Directed By: Dominic Savage
Screenplay By: Dominic Savage
Starring: Elliot Page & Hillary Baack
Produced By: Krishnendu Majumdar, Richard Yee, Daniel Bekerman, Chris Yurkovich, Dominic Savage, Elliot Page
Executive Produced By: Anita Gou, Sam Intili, Nia Vazirani, Francine Maisler, Matt Jordan Smith, Andrew Frank
CLOSE TO YOU tells the story of Sam (Elliot Page) who hasn’t been home since his transition. After four years in Toronto, he takes a long-dreaded trip back to his hometown for his father’s birthday. Once there, he confronts unresolved wounds and reconnects with an old flame.
Close To You had its World Premiere at TIFF last year. Dominic Savage is a British BAFTA award-winning director, writer and actor. He’s known for I Am Ruth (2022), I Am… (2019), Love + Hate (2005) and Barry Lyndon (1975). Dominic and Elliot worked very closely together on the story. Dominic has a unique style in that he writes an outlined script but fully expects it to be a jumping off point for the actors to improvise from. Giving them the time to fully feel the truth of their character and use their own words. Elliot is a producer and also has a story credit and completely trusted Dominic to tell this story.
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