The discussion around gender identity is incredibly fraught. It often brings up intense feelings from people who may not have thought about it with as much nuance as it deserves. So whenever possible, I think it’s important to look to those who have spent more time considering the subject. Jessie Earl, who goes by Jessie Gender on YouTube, has recently released the sci-fi short film “Identiteaze” on the streaming service Nebula, which examines what it means to be non-binary.
When Aaron (James Tison) and Erin (Maggie Mae Fish) find themselves in a blank room, they struggle to understand why they are there. They find a television and a VHS that tell them that they must choose their avatar — or new “identiteaze” — that will allow them to move forward into the next area. The choices are between a man and a woman, but Aaron and Erin struggle to decide. They soon discover a workaround for the system that will allow them to enter the Ventiverse and become Aerin (Ezra Reeves).
It was refreshing to see media about being non-binary that didn’t make the character a shapeshifter, alien or monster of some kind. Because non-binary identities can be complicated to explain, they’re often relegated to non-human forms. Actually seeing people tackle this as humans added to the enjoyment of the story.
The budget for this movie was limited, but Earl makes the most of it. Because the short film takes place almost entirely in a waiting room, the use of a very sparse white space works to enhance the story rather than being a distraction. Everything is very stylized, and that serves the genre well.
The performances are quite good. Tison, Fish and Reeves, as the various Aaron/Erin/Aerins, all do great job of showcasing the unique feelings that each has. As the head of the Ventiverse, Darius Rose breaks down the rules in a way that feels honest without crossing over into cruelty. And I have to give a shout-out to the casting by producer Erin Macdonald. Reeves is almost exactly what you would get if you combined Tison and Fish. It is uncanny.
The story is straightforward, and that does make this a little flat at times. In avoiding some of the ugliest responses people have toward identities they don’t understand, the stakes sometimes feel lower than in real life. But while the drama could have been played up more, the joy in “Identiteaze” is palpable. It reminds the viewer that settling into one’s true identity is something that brings people happiness — which can’t always be found in the confines of the binary.
This movie doesn’t seek to answer all of the questions posed by examining non-binary identities. Naturally, not everyone will have the same experience as the characters in the film. But if you’re looking for a movie that explores some of what it means to be non-binary, “Identiteaze” could shed some light.
Alise Chaffins is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack.
