Here's the First Trailer for Oscar-Hopeful Trans Film Monica

Sometimes, seeing family can be the hardest thing.

That’s what a trans woman played by Trace Lysette learns in the trailer for Monica when she visits her ailing mother who doesn’t recognize her.

According to the official synopsis, Monica “is an intimate portrait of a woman who returns home after a long absence to confront the wounds of her past. Reconnecting with her mother (Patricia Clarkson) and the rest of her family for the first time since leaving as a teenager, Monica (Trace Lysette) embarks on a path of healing and acceptance. The film delves into Monica’s internal world and state of mind, her pain and fears, her needs and desires, to explore the universal themes of abandonment and forgiveness.”

Lysette, who’s starred in Transparent, Pose, and Hustlers, really gets to shine in the trailer, showing off dramatic depth we’ve barely been able to see from her.

She showed flashes of this in the third season of Transparent, when many fans hoped she’d score an Emmy nomination for playing Shea, a trans woman who befriends Maura and eventually has a relationship with Maura’s son, Josh. But now, she truly gets to spread her wings.

Monica is already receiving strong awards buzz, and Lysette could even become the first out trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar for her role. When it premiered at the Venice Film Festival, the film, and Lysette, received an 11-and-a-half minute standing ovation.

Oscar winner Brendan Fraser got a 6-minute ovation after his film, The Whale, was screened, and Oscar nominee Colin Farrell received a 13-minute ovation for The Banshees of Inisherin. Are their standing ovations a sign that Lysette will get a nom next year? We certainly hope so!

In addition to Lysette and Clarkson, Monica stars Adriana Barraza, Emily Browning, and Joshua Close. It’s written by Andrea Pallaoro and Orlando Tirado and directed by Pallaoro.

Monica will be released in theaters May 12, 2023.

Monica - Official Trailer | HD | IFC Filmsyoutu.be