Festivals: Thesis on a Domestication (2024) by Javier van de Couter: A Family Forging Its Own Path

A Drama Exploring Family and Identity Thesis on a Domestication, originally titled Tesis sobre una domesticación, is an Argentine and Mexican drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. Directed by Javier van de Couter, the film tells the story of a successful transgender actress and her lawyer husband who decide to adopt a child. Their pursuit of domestic happiness is complicated by their return to the actress's conservative hometown, where they are confronted by a community that is resistant to their lifestyle. The film is based on a novel by Camila Sosa Villada and stars Daniel Aimetta, Sebastián Arzeno, and Francisco Bertín.

Why to watch this movie: A Nuanced and Timely Story

• A Groundbreaking and Important Narrative: The film tackles a rarely seen subject in mainstream cinema: the journey of a transgender woman and her husband to build a family through adoption. It offers a crucial and emotional perspective on LGBTQ+ rights and family dynamics.

• Explores Complex Social Issues: The story delves into the conflicts between modern ideals and conservative traditions. It examines the challenges faced by transgender individuals in society, particularly when navigating family and community expectations in a hostile environment.

• A Moving Portrayal of a Relationship: The film focuses on the loving relationship between the two main characters, a transgender actress and her husband. It provides a tender and honest look at their bond and their shared dream of becoming parents.

• Based on Acclaimed Source Material: The film is an adaptation of a novel by celebrated writer Camila Sosa Villada, which adds a layer of literary depth to the story.

Where to watch (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/thesis-on-a-domestication

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26681570/

Link Review: https://filmisafineaffair.com/reviews/thesis-on-a-domestication-film-review

About movie: http://www.ohmygomez.com/

What Trend is followed?: The LGBTQ+ Family Drama Thesis on a Domestication follows the trend of LGBTQ+ family dramas, a growing genre of films that portray the complexities of relationships and parenting within the LGBTQ+ community.

• Focus on a Modern Family: The film redefines the traditional family unit by focusing on a transgender woman and her husband's journey to parenthood. This aligns with a broader trend in cinema to showcase diverse family structures.

• Addressing Societal Resistance: The narrative directly confronts the societal resistance that LGBTQ+ couples can face, particularly in conservative communities. This is a common theme in this genre, highlighting the emotional and social challenges of being an outsider.

• A Transgender-Led Narrative: The film is part of a crucial trend of authentic storytelling led by and about transgender individuals. It moves beyond simple coming-out stories to explore deeper themes of identity, family, and domestic life.

Director's Vision: A Humanistic and Unflinching Gaze

• A Personal Story: Director Javier van de Couter, who is also a co-writer, brings a personal and empathetic touch to the narrative. His vision is to tell a story that is both specific to the characters and universal in its themes of love and acceptance.

• Exploring Internal and External Conflict: The director's vision is to explore both the internal conflicts within the central couple and the external pressures they face from their community. The journey back to the hometown serves as a catalyst for these conflicts to come to a head.

• Empathy and Realism: The film aims for a grounded, realistic tone. The director avoids sensationalism, instead choosing to focus on the quiet, human moments of joy, struggle, and defiance.

Themes: Identity, Family, and Belonging

• The Meaning of Family: The film asks profound questions about what constitutes a family. It challenges traditional definitions by showing a loving, committed couple who are denied the right to be a family by a society that does not recognize them.

• Identity and Authenticity: The film's central character, a transgender actress, is a symbol of living an authentic life. Her journey back to her hometown forces her to confront her past and assert her identity in a place that may not accept her.

• The Search for a Home: The couple’s attempt at "domestication" is a quest for a place where they can feel safe and belong. The film explores the idea that "home" is not just a physical location but a state of being where one is accepted for who they are.

Key success factors: Timely Subject Matter and Strong Performances

• Relevance: The film's subject matter is incredibly timely and relevant, as LGBTQ+ rights and family issues are at the forefront of social and political discussions globally. This gives the film an immediate cultural resonance.

• Talented Cast and Crew: The collaboration between director Javier van de Couter, writer Camila Sosa Villada, and the talented cast, including transgender actors, is a major success factor. Their combined efforts ensure an authentic and powerful portrayal of the story.

• Festival and Critical Buzz: The film's early screenings and festival run have already generated positive buzz, indicating its potential to be a critical success and an important voice in contemporary cinema.

Awards and Nominations: A Promising Start on the Festival Circuit

• Total Wins: The film has received a total of 2 wins.

• Total Nominations: The film has received a total of 1 nomination.

Positive Reception:

• A "New Trans Narrative": Critics lauded the film for creating a new kind of trans story that includes "the right to pleasure, ambition, glamour, and contradiction." It is seen as a significant entry in Latin American cinema for its unflinching exploration of a trans woman who is unapologetically successful, desired, and in pursuit of domestic happiness. The film "boldly allows its complex unnamed protagonist to navigate two worlds typically presented as incompatible for trans characters." (Frameline)

• Performance of Camila Sosa Villada: Villada's central performance is consistently described as "sublime and fierce." Reviewers noted the powerful blurring of lines between the real-life actress and her character, which makes the film feel like a "true-blue collaborative hybrid" between the director and the star. The on-screen chemistry between Villada and her co-star, Alfonso Herrera, is also highlighted as being "sexually vivacious and emotionally rooted." (High On Films)

• Thematic Depth: The film's central conflict—the tension between the protagonist's free-spirited past and her desire for a "domesticating configuration" with a husband and adopted child—is a major focus of praise. The film "vividly" explores the "destabilizing notions of a conventional relationship" while respecting the heroine's individuality. It is a "provocative journey of love and self-realization that won't leave audiences indifferent." (Cinema Tropical)

• Awards and Recognition: The film won the Gold Q-Hugo Award for Best LGBTQ+ Feature Film at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, with the jury calling it an "uncompromising tour de force." (Cinema Tropical, MUBI)

Overall, Thesis on a Domestication is regarded as a powerful and honest film that pushes the boundaries of trans representation and offers a multi-layered look at identity, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

Release dates: Theatrical and Streaming

• Release date on streaming: The film is available to stream on Prime Video.

• Theatrical Release: The film is scheduled to be released in Argentina on May 1, 2025.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Transgender-Led Narrative The film follows the trend of transgender-led narratives that go beyond the coming-out story. It focuses on the domestic life of a transgender woman, portraying her as a fully realized person with hopes, dreams, and a desire for a family. This trend is a crucial step in normalizing transgender

identities and showing their diverse experiences on screen.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Push for LGBTQ+ Rights The film taps into the major social and political trend of the push for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in conservative societies. By focusing on a transgender couple's attempt to adopt a child, the film directly confronts issues of legal recognition, social acceptance, and the right to form a family. It serves as a powerful statement in favor of inclusivity and equality.

Final Verdict: A Powerful and Essential Family Drama Thesis on a Domestication is an important and deeply moving film that is poised to be a significant voice in contemporary cinema. Its tender and unflinching portrayal of a transgender woman's journey to motherhood is both a celebration of love and a powerful critique of societal prejudice. With its timely subject matter, strong performances, and humanistic approach, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in stories that challenge and redefine the meaning of family and belonging.