A recently transitioned trans man living in New York confronts three key relationships from his past and navigates daily discrimination in writer/director Vuk Lungulov-Klotz’s feature debut, Mutt.
After transitioning, Feña (Lío Mehiel) set out on his own in New York, cutting ties to his painful past and forging new connections with a group of supportive friends. But over the course of 24 hours, Feña’s past catches up to him when he runs into his ex-boyfriend, receives a visit from his little sister, and picks up his Chilean father from the airport. As Feña reels from having these three people suddenly thrust back into his life, it forces him to come to terms with emotionally complicated relationships.
Presented as an eventful day-in-the-life, it obviously feels contrived that these three significant people from Feña’s life reappear at the same time, however the structure largely works to portray Feña navigating a (particularly) busy day and reacting in ‘real time’ to evolving circumstances and relationships. As time moves steadily onward in the film, it’s an engaging way to show such a condensed story.
The day-in-the-life approach is also effective at conveying the barriers and transphobia the trans community faces every day. We recognize the discrimination Feña experiences, and the frustration we feel, are unfortunately but a small sampling of the reality. Although the film lacks nuance, the point is concretely made. While many people have the privilege of being able to go about their day unnoticed and without commentary, Feña is constantly subjected to unwanted and offensive comments, looks, and questions. It’s exhausting, and heartbreaking.
The first significant person Feña encounters in the film is his ex-boyfriend, John (Cole Doman). John was Feña’s boyfriend pre-transition, and when they run into each other at a bar, emotions run high: unresolved romantic feelings mixed with hurt and anger on both sides. Feña in particular still seems to pine for John, who gives off very “toxic ex” vibes. John makes Feña uncomfortable with insensitive and transphobic remarks, yet Feña lets it slide because he wants to give their relationship another shot—something John clearly doesn’t want. The film spends too much time on this relationship, to the detriment of the other stories. It’s too toxic to maintain our interest for that long (Feña should cut John out and move on), and there are other narrative threads demanding focus but which are given less time as a result.
While Feña’s run-in with John is coincidental, Feña’s little sister Zoe (MiMi Ryder) intentionally seeks her brother out for a visit. Feña is somewhat exasperated at the idea of having a shadow at his side all day, but he takes it in stride and soon realizes how much this reconnection means to both siblings. Feña isn’t sure how Zoe will feel about him being trans, but it’s a relief to discover that Zoe is an inclusive kid and he can be himself around her. They bicker and bond as siblings do, and we find ourselves wanting to spend more time with them and hoping they’ll spend more time together in future. Ryder and Mehiel have a great dynamic and sibling chemistry that make their scenes come alive.
After a long rollercoaster of a day, Feña picks up his Chilean father, Pablo (Alejandro Goic), from the airport. Goic provides gravitas in his role as Pablo struggles to support Feña the way Feña needs. It’s disconcerting watching Feña comfort his father after everything Feña has been through; however, when Feña finally breaks down after an emotionally exhausting day, his father is instantly by his side offering the love and comfort Feña desperately needs.
It’s a film that relies on having a strong lead, and Mehiel carries the film well despite some weak scripted dialogue and subpar acting from minor characters with whom Feña has small interactions. The main ensemble cast is solid, and Jari Jones is excellent in her small standout role as Feña’s roommate, Fiona.
Mutt had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and was also selected for the Berlinale Film Festival as part of the Generation 14plus section.