Boy Meets Girl (I) (2014) User Reviews

A charming love story with a likable lead

[avery-49209 · 8/10 · 7 April 2015]

I had heard about this movie but until today did not have an opportunity to see it. Sadly, as an indie film it does not have the distribution it deserves, but now that we can stream it on vimeo the masses can finally watch.

My interest in the film was due to the transgender main character. Having a trans actress playing a trans character is not common today, so this was an exciting opportunity for the community. They pulled it off. Ricky, played by Michelle Hendley is charming and fun. While the character is transgender and the story focuses on that point, she is a fun, sarcastic small town girl and it is easy to forget her anatomy throughout most of the film. While Michelle has a bit of a newcomer feel to her acting, it plays well into the coming of age trans female character.

Sadly, her best friend Robby (Michael Welch) was quirky but really stiff. I was left wanting more from his character and kept hoping for a stronger dynamic between two.

Acting aside, it's a beautiful story. Somewhat predictable but still a winning formula for a romantic comedy. I cried, I laughed, and I developed a major crush on the Ricky. There's not much more I could have hoped for from an Indie release.

Well worth watching and sure to be a classic in the LGBT archives.

Charming yet saccharine tale of not just transgender love, but sexuality and acceptance

[kfctwix · 7/10 · 11 December 2016]

I really loved this from the start. It is simple, yet dramatic and funny, and real enough that you can relate to it while still testing suspension of disbelief. A lot of viewers faulted this for being a fantasy, and while I can agree with that in some regards, I appreciated there being a trans oriented film that wasn't all doom and gloom and tragedy. There's no denying that is the reality for many trans people, but trans people experience glory and happiness too, just like we all do, so I am glad that that aspect of the trans experience is covered here as well.

I also liked the scope of the film, and the decision to focus on a girl's experience, not only as a transwoman, but as a human being, battling to become comfortable in one's own skin and make sense of love and sexuality, rather than focusing on society and its related subsequent hardships the protagonist will face due to their gender identity. It is very small and very personal, a quality which I loved.

All the good aside, this film does suffer from some glaringly distressing problems, that actually cause this to lose a star from me. This has a real problem with pacing and character development, with things either being drawn out too long or happening too quickly. Certain beginnings and conclusions to the various relationships here really made no sense, building to a conclusion that simply sweeps what we thought we knew under the rug, quickly tidying up the negative plot points and tying up the many loose ends left in drastic and overly saccharine ways.

I came to love and root for Francesca and Ricky as a couple. While I certainly predicted she would end up with her friend just because of genre tropes, we barely get to know him. I spent most of the film getting attached to and learning about Ricky and Francesca, so for Ricky and Robby to end up together and Francesca go off with her transphobic meathead of a fiancée, really did not resonate or sit well with me. Speaking of him, it is really poor character development, how they simply erased his apparent history of anger and trans/homophobia in favor of giving Francesca her typical "happy" ending. The whole "everyone gets what they want and live forever without a care in the world" ending really left a bad taste in my mouth and really lessened my retrospective enjoyment of the film.

Another problem for me was Michelle Hendley's performance. She is without a doubt very beautiful and talented, and she handles the film's pinnacle of drama and emotion with a remarkable sense of grace. However in the film's lighter scenes, she really struggles with natural delivery and getting into a sense of chemistry with her co-stars. She has so much potential and I hope she continues to learn and grow into the star I know is in her.

Overall, it is a very cute, if a bit clichéd romantic drama with some very great dialogue pertaining to the cis perception of gender and sexuality. I wish we could have got some more realistic character development and a more real, or at the very least not so sickly sweet, ending. The ride there was very fun and enlightening though, and this film has definitely earned it's place as a lighter entry into the ever growing narrative of transgendered people in film.

Commendable casting and concept can't transcend a wonky script with a lead performance that lacks conviction

[Doctor_Mongoose · 6/10 · 27 April 2020]

Conceptually, I really liked Boy Meets Girl. It managed to twist the conventional narrative of a transgender woman coming to terms with her identity, and the challenges that come along with it, on its head and have it so that it is the other characters who are unsure of themselves and are seeking clarity and the conviction to be who they are. Unfortunately, unlike the lead characters, the script never found this clarity and conviction to make good of its concept and finds itself train-tracking cardboard characters through stilted conversations and coming-of-gender conventions leaving the whole film feel to feel just a little bit flat at the end of the line.

It is a shame that we have to talk about casting and how it is commendable that an actual transgender actress was cast in the lead role. Michelle Hendley certainly looks the part as Ricky Jones; she is a beautiful transgender woman playing a beautiful transgender woman on screen. The problem is that, based on this performance, she is just not a very good actress. Her delivery never felt natural, regardless of whether she was trying make a snarky comment at an acquaintance or simply serve a customer some coffee. This is made even more noticeable by the performance of Michael Welch as her non-gay best-friend who manages to convey his conflicting feelings with passion and depth, which made it so disappointing that his character was so under-written.

The issue with the script itself is that all of the characters felt as if they existed to interact with Ricky and didn't have enough screen-time to get to really know them so you could understand the journeys that they were going on. This meant that when it was time for them to do the things they needed to do to make the story go forward it rarely felt like it was their choice. There were still moments of comedy and pathos that made the film enjoyable, and it is all very, very sweet, but there wasn't much to think about beyond the superficial once the credits kicked in.

Overall I would say that your enjoyment of this film will very much depend on how much you buy into the lead character. If you can relate to them and project your own personality and experiences onto them I suspect that you'll be left feeling very happy. If you are looking for a character to make you think about yourself, then this is not the film you are going to meet them.

A response to the bad reviews

[Danie12 · 9/10 · 29 June 2015]

Someone said this movie is a piece of propaganda, and I'm no film expert, but EVERY movie is some kind of propaganda. This is a low budget indie film, no one makes these movies simply for entertainment, the filmmaker had something to say and they SAID IT!

So A) if you're homophobic or transphobic you WILL NOT like this movie B) if you expect the main characters to be Sandra Bullock and James Franco, you WILL NOT like this movie.

These are young people and for many if not all of them this is their first movie. In the beginning especially the script is rough, the chemistry is questionable, and the plot moves unrealistically fast. BUT about half-way in you can see the characters (and their actors) develop, the chemistry grows between everyone, and the plot is actually very interesting and unexpected.

The academy and people who watch movies for technical things are not going to applaud this film, because to be honest it could have used a lot of work. But the subject is fresh, the content is good, and if you're trying to learn more about the transgender (and LGBQ) community this is a great film that I'm sure you will enjoy!

PS - someone said this movie is trying to suggest everyone is a little gay, it kind of is. We kind of are :)

Uneven. Excellent in parts, falls into tropes in other parts

[BarneyGrapes · 25 January 2022]

This won't be terribly in depth. I'll just write the major notes that made me go from an 8 to a 6.

Acting was decent. Ricky occasionally came across a bit raw in her acting, but it was also not far from how real people talk. A little more dry than the life trained and skilled actors can usually breath into characters.

At the point in the film where Ricky attends Franchesca's family yard party, I had the film up at 8. I thought the father was going to play the typical villainous role and ostracize his daughter and Ricky. I was highly impressed with the true paternal instinct that the writers and directors portrayed. So I thought the film would keep getting better.

And then the mother entered the coffee shop and I thought, oh oh, here we go again with the evil mother act. She started with being naive, but also fair to Ricky, but then quickly devolved into the Disney villain I was expecting earlier. 8 dropped to 7.

7 is still a strong score for me.

But then major misstep number 2. MAJOR SPOILER: David is revealed to have slept with Ricky. This was an almost too comical love triangle that busted all my hope previously built up. 7 dropped to 6. And then Ricky getting together with her best friend almost dropped it to 5.

If it wasn't for some strong moments with younger Ricky's video, her relationship with her family, the relationship built with her best friend up to that point, her best friend's narrative as an enlightened heterosexual man who felt comfortable being with Ricky. It's a shame they had to get them together in the end, since it polarized the characters in the film. It's like characters had to be vile with Ricky, or in a sexual relationship with Ricky. It stole the in between option of Ricky not only being a sexual being, but also capable of friendship.

As mentioned, very uneven. Some very strong themes and moments. And some very weak moments. Some 8 moments, with very strong messages, and some 5 moments pandering to Hollywood tropes . Worth the watch, but a bit frustrating to see something so promising fall short.

A peek at the art of being real, vulnerable and honest in relationships

[fsorganizing · 7/10 · 9 February 2021]

The real value of this movie demonstrates how important it is to be honest in all of your relationships (family, friends, acquaintances, and committed relationships). The dialog, scripting, and acting--all wonderful, real, and warm. At first, I became clear that this movie does have aspects that are uncomfortable to watch, and so I really didn't want to finish watching the movie. But, my inner wisdom nudged me forward, and I'm so glad that I watched it to the end. The film really has some heartfelt moments, and there is a nice payoff...things do eventually take place in this story that make you feel good inside. On a higher level, this film challenges your beliefs, and how you view the particular 'national culture' that you have known throughout your life. I highly recommend giving this film a look.

What a treat

[helpme-488-305631 · 9/10 · 13 April 2015]

A movie is the sum of its parts, its got to be interesting, be cast well, be believable even when its science fiction of a fairy tail and the characters... well... you have to care what happens to them.

Though the story line is closer to fairy tail in today's world than reality, the performances are so good you don't think about this at the time.

Ignore the 1 star from digital pimple, I am yet to see any reviews from said person higher than a 2.

Michelle(the lead) was so credible as Ricky it leaves you pondering if the story is autobiographical though it clearly isn't.

Just superb.

Had potential ...

[keikoyoshikawa · 6/10 · 21 November 2021]

The good: Using a transgender actor was a definite plus. Kudos where it's deserved.

The bad: Boring and unrealistic story.

I'm glad this movie was made. It's good to see a film dealing with a complicated subject. However, it's too bad that the writing wasn't quite up to the task. The result is that I felt there wasn't any real stake and in the end it just seemed like some kind of common-place fairy tale romance story.

Definite must watch - you will gain so much from this movie

[IvyNut · 10/10 · 23 July 2015]

This was the most beautiful movie I have seen in years. Wonderful message of acceptance for the young (teenagers) and old. I think that the US desperately needed this movie right now and the world can really benefit from it too.

Also, what a fantastic and fearless lead actress! I can't wait to see more work of her and other transgender actors.

Overall, a bittersweet story of the struggles of life as a transgender person who is trying to fit into our society. It leaves you wrapped around a fuzzy feel-good feeling.

Go watch it, you will not regret it.

Quoth the MTV Generation; "meh".

[NotWar · 4/10 · 9 January 2016]

Spoiler free. Be aware that it is not a requirement to like a film just because of its subject matter. I went into this film thinking I'd be watching a fun rom-com that was especially different to the usual fare, in that the female lead was a trans character and a trans actress which is a brilliant step towards wider acceptance in film.

What I got instead was a fairly sub standard film that didn't entirely work - be it due to the average acting ability of some of the characters; the lacklustre attempt to explain large chunks of the story and why things were suddenly happening; the relatively boring plot or the cartoonishly evil additional characters who were there only to serve as recipients of zingers that I felt someone had written as responses to someone who had upset them in the past.

Of course if you're not looking for a coherent storyline and interesting fleshed out characters then I assume this will be the film for you. After all due to the large amount of 10 out of 10 rating which I find laughable - I get the impression this film could have been worse and people would have rated it top marks regardless due to the subject matter, which isn't right - just because something is trying to convey a positive message about a certain subject - doesn't mean it's automatically the greatest thing in the world that surpasses criticism. If I can find a way to post a spoiler review I can go into details about why this film fell flat for me.

Great movie about transgender romance

[Red-125 · 9/10 · 25 October 2014]

Boy Meets Girl (2014) was directed by Eric Schaeffer. Rickie, played by Michelle Henry, has known she's a woman since childhood. The problem is that she was born in a man's body. She has been transgendered medically, but not surgically. The people of the small town in which she lives know all this, and they've accepted it. (I live in a small town, and this rings true. People may think transgendering, or being lesbian, or being gay, is a little strange, but Ricky is one of their own, and they accept her for what she is.)

Ricky's straight best friend Robby, played by Michael Welch, truly cares for Ricky. There are some funny scenes where Robby tries to answer questions about what heterosexuals do when they make love. Remember that Ricky has male genitalia. When she's attracted to a beautiful straight woman, she doesn't exactly know how it all works. The beautiful woman is Francesca, who is engaged to a Marine. He's stationed in Afghanistan. He's there, Ricky is here, and romance with Francesca develops.

I felt that the plot weakened at that point, and that the last portion of the film didn't live up to what we had seen before. Even so, I highly recommend Boy Meets Girl. It's charming and worth seeking out.

We saw this movie at the Little Theatre as part of the brilliant ImageOut Rochester LGBT Film Festival. It will work well on DVD.

Michelle Hendley, 1. This movie, 0.

[rbruhn-1 · 2/10 · 4 July 2015]

While I applaud Michelle Hendley's breakout performance in particular, and the film's attempt to deal with transgender issues in general, my unavoidable conclusion is that this is really a perfectly awful film. It has no internal logic; the plot just sputters forward with no regard to character, dialog or common sense. There are so many instances of face-palm behavior that I couldn't begin to list them here. Another reviewer mentioned "Boys Don't Cry" (a movie about an event that took place 75 miles from where I live) as an example of a good transgender movie, and I would totally agree. "Boy Meets Girl," however is not even close to that standard, not even in the same universe. I would hope to see Michelle Hendley again, in a better movie. But this movie, no. What a mess.

Great film of a trans relationship in today's America

[femmeboi67 · 9/10 · 18 October 2014]

Saw this at the Louisville LGBT Film Festival. Being a trans woman myself probably makes my review slightly biased, but oh well. The fact that it is based in my home state of Kentucky doesn't really influence my opinion either. This film had it all as far as the triumphs and pit falls of a young trans relationship in today's times. The hetero / gay / trans relationship scene can be a jumbled mess....as this film shows. This was the lead character's first performance on screen and she did an amazing job!!! The male lead is a seasoned actor and it showed. They had great chemistry together. That also made the film flow really well and seem very believable. I give it a 9 for content and storyline, but a 7 for editing quality and overall filming quality. That really isn't a slam, just evidence of the lower budget, indie film that it is. I hope to see more from this director and from the two lead performers!

I think this film has the ability to capture the hearts of both the easy target of the LGBT community but also the more mainstream hetero community. Go see it if you can! You won't be sorry and will probably cry!

Groundbreaking and funny too!

[billyweeds-1 · 10/10 · 18 November 2014]

This movie accomplishes the rare feat of being sexually groundbreaking, meaningful, romantic, and very, very funny, sometimes all at once. Screen newcomer Michelle Hendley, herself a trans actress, plays a young woman in transition, and the story takes her into several relationships, all interesting, all believable. The movie has a "La Ronde" quality to it and director Eric Schaeffer is able to shift tones seamlessly from comedy to heartfelt and back again. It's a remarkable film, one which has already won myriad awards in LDBTQ festivals but could easily cross over into the mainstream. It has something for everyone to identify with. Truly a marvelous experience.

Boy Meets Girl should be required viewing for all teens or earlier.

[hannahsimps · 10/10 · 8 February 2015]

As someone who has the personal experience of having made such a life transition, it is hard enough for me to explain it to others, and I'm the one who did it. How Eric Schaeffer did it baffles me, yet I have always believed that being able to put oneself in life from which to tell a story is foundation of what it means to have an imagination. His picture does right by the transgender themes and in truly exploring the depth and bounds of gender and sexuality for all the principal characters, not just the one lead who happens to be trans (both the character, and the stand-out actress who portrays her). At its core, this is an entertaining love story with a few twists, which genuinely has you hating one character or another at any time, yet rooting for the right ones all the time. It is a movie about how dignity and love transcend all labels, yet on a more practical note is simply the best media portrayal of a trans experience (I say "a," because there is no single story to be told), that could really help people who are not trans to understand just what it means to be living that life, and just how special it can be.

This should be required school viewing for every teen in this country, if not beyond. It is fun and entertaining, but with just enough "education" beneath the radar, that you will leave a better person for having taken the 95 minutes of your time. 10 Stars. Hoping for a sequel to come out because I care where all the characters end up and hate not knowing.

This movie was absolutely awful

[joannaraetsen · 1/10 · 9 September 2015]

This movie was so offensive I had a panic attack, all she does is run around screaming "I'm trans I'm trans!" and the whole section about trans woman dating woman = heterosexual and trans woman dating men = gay??? WHAT? What is this? I thought we were all about "genitalia doesn't define us"?!?!?!? Way to kick ourselves in the teeth and take 100 steps back. The title of the movie "Boy Meets Girl" is literally about this trans woman meeting a girl, calling her a boy. This movie was written by a 50 year old born and living male. I'm glad they actually used a trans actress, but seriously? This is not how its done. If you want to see how trans awareness is done, watch I Am Jazz or The Bold and Beautiful.

Stayed With Me

[SwollenThumb · 9/10 · 11 May 2018]

Indie gem. Authentic small town atmosphere. Superb acting especially from leads. Few movies stay with you. This one did for me. (viewed 9/16)

Avoid. Complete Pablum.

[RockstarInvestments · 1/10 · 10 April 2015]

Insipid dialog that may speak to very few. With all things considered this is your typical social propaganda piece written only to please an agenda.

Nothing new, nothing enjoyable unless you simply like the idea of a movie being made for this reason alone. If you do like this type of pablum watch it, however if you're like most just avoid it. It's a yawn fest and quite simply dumb.

I would elaborate on the storyline but you can write this story in 10 minutes. It's exactly what you think it is.

Bottom line. Stupid movie. Dumb topic. Waste of good movie watching time.

An Unexpected Gem

[mdesantis98 · 9/10 · 27 March 2016]

I was browsing through Netflix and decided to give this film a spin. I am so glad I did! "Boy Meets Girl" is funny, poignant and heartfelt. The characters, particularly Ricky (Michelle Hendley), Robby(Michael Welch) and Francesca (Alexandra Turshenbrought) compellingly displayed the angst, conflict and ultimately courage, compassion and humanity of what it means to be loved and accepted for who you are even when the likelihood of the pain of rejection for not conforming to "traditional norms" could be the price that is paid.

This is an uplifting and inspirational movie which handles some very profoundly charged themes in a warm, witty and upbeat manner with a cast that absolutely aced it with their performances.

All this middle-aged traditional heterosexual married fella has to say is "Bravo, Well Done." And my Mrs. offered to share the Kleenex.

Share this movie with everyone you know... It's Amazing!

[sexykaylielove · 10/10 · 12 January 2016]

I have given my support for many LGBT themed movies, primarily those that are transgender based. Although I do admit, a lot of them are poorly written or are far from the truth. Boy Meets Girl is different. It is a beautiful depiction of what could truly happen in the life of a transgender girl. How do I know? Because I am a transgender girl myself.

As a transgender girl myself, I will admit that I have had far more struggles than Ricky does on Boy Meets Girl, but that is primarily due to being a part of a large town. Ricky lives in a small town and people tend to be forced to get to know you. I have also come out to friends and family in my late 20's while Ricky came out early as a child. I found myself wishing I was more her, and less me. Then I watched her video she made when she was young, and believe it or not, I did something similar and I felt like I was Ricky.

Why am I telling everyone this stuff? It's because the way this movie is written, allows you to better understand the complexity of the characters and yet feel for their struggles. It allows you to get drawn into their passion and cry through their pain. The characters are amazing and appear so natural. This movie is one of the most realistic, and beautifully written, transgender themed movies I have seen as of yet.

Please like this review, then like this movie. Give "Boy Meets Girl" the exposure that it deserves!

An incredible movie.

[laura-00922 · 10/10 · 1 May 2015]

The movie was outstanding in its sensitivity regarding a group of people who are struggling to be accepted or even tolerated. I found it to be extremely accurate for some transgender women, as there is great diversity under the transgender umbrella. I'm so happy they didn't cast a man to play the part of Ricky, as Hollywood typically does in movies about trans women, but instead casted a lovely trans woman to play the role. Michelle Hendley does it brilliantly. All the actors play their parts brilliantly in fact. Michael Welch, Alexandra Turshen, Michael Galante, all played their roles, authentically, with charm, and humor. Eric Schaeffer seems to have insight into a subject that few non-trans people seem to understand. I think most people will enjoy this movie because the romance, and hardships and triumphs are universal. <3

Beautiful and heartfelt

[vicki_lewis · 10/10 · 20 June 2015]

I just want to say this film it truly beautiful and truly worth the watch..... The acting is brilliant by all of the cast but I have to say Michelle Hendley is outstanding.... I would definitely recommend this.... It shows you the struggles of life in a lot of different situations, it grasps the fact that people shouldn't judge and it reflects this perfectly and it such a lovely way that it would make you reach out for the Kleenex. I have watched films in the past that have had a good beginning and middle but have completely flaked at the end however this movie draws you in and does not disappoint with a perfect ending. If you are looking for a feel good film then this is it, I never really rated the guy when he was in twilight but I must say he excels himself in the lead role role in this movie.... Enjoy ;)

Inspiring and Sweet Love Story

[laurabaker108 · 10/10 · 8 July 2015]

NO spoilers ahead

This film offers inspiration, validation, encouragement, and permission to be ourselves, just as we are.

I am a sixty-seven-year-old transsexual. I transitioned fifteen years ago, but after watching Boy Meets Girl, I realized that I still haven't given myself permission to completely embrace my new self. This wonderful movie made me realize I was still holding back out of fear of ridicule, rejection, and hatred.This film is a cure for that particular malady. You don't have to be young for it to work its magic.

If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. You don't have to be transgender to be moved by it, just a bit open-minded. It is a very sweet and honest love story.

If you are in a position similar to mine - See This Movie! You won't regret it.

A huge thank you to all involved in this gem.

A sweet and funny trans love story

[goofoo-42512 · 10/10 · 1 June 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie and love the fact that they cast a real transgender Woman in the lead. As a transgender Woman myself I highly recommend this movie.

Watch this ASAP! Ignore others! I bet you can't stop once you start!

[sophiethechosenone · 10/10 · 25 April 2015]

Boy meets girl is a type of movie that you show to your friends and say "You got to watch this!". This is the one of the few independent films which has the potential to be nominated or even win an Academy Award. The story moves you to tears and joy at the same time. Michelle Hendley has done the elegant job of portraying a trans woman in the best way possible. Other lead actors especially Alexandra has given a mind bogging performance. Micheal Galante has done an awesome job of playing a marine and has represented exactly what a bigot person is like and how they too have shameful secrets. Eric the director is one of the most broad minded directors in history. No one can pull an amazing show like him. His films tend to focus on inclusive of all different colors of the rainbow not just black and white. Never miss this movie. There is a lesson in every scene. Overall a must watch for youth of the world.