
Regarding Us, written and directed by David Beck and Jennifer Bobbi, explores identity, trauma, and connection within the Trans community. This character-driven drama avoids poor melodrama and instead delivers a non-varnished portrayal of its characters’ struggles and triumphs. Veronica (Alexandra Grey) is a trans woman with depression and suicidal thoughts after losing her job of seven years as a teacher at a Catholic school.
Veronica’s journey intersects with those of a gay man named Denny (David Beck) and his daughter Isabel (Andrea Rosa Guzman). Meanwhile, Kyle (Hudson Paul) is a young boy questioning his gender identity but has a transphobic mother (Abigail Hawk) and an abusive older brother (Jacob Moran). So he’s searching for solace in someone who understands the questions he has about who he is. Together, their lives intertwine in ways that are both poignant and transformative.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to balance multiple characters and subplots without feeling overstuffed or contrived. Beck and Bobbi’s screenplay weaves the lives of its characters with a delicate touch. Veronica is portrayed not as a victim but as a resilient, compassionate individual who has endured significant emotional pain, including the loss of her estranged father. One of the best moments is when she places a phone call to her father when she is at her lowest point… only to get an answering machine.

“…a trans woman with depression and suicidal thoughts after losing her job of seven years as a teacher at a Catholic school.”
Regarding Us illuminates the struggle of younger people in its portrayal of Isabel and Kyle. These two children, who are navigating various challenges, feel realistic and have several dimensions to them. Isabel’s empathy and curiosity lead her to encourage Kyle to explore his identity. Later in the film, Kyles’s older brother actively encourages him to kill himself by jumping water since he is “a fish with wings.” While intense, it is played with the right amount of gravitas, while Isabel and Kyle’s friendship forms the heart of this story thread.
The actors deliver thoughtful, naturalistic performances. Grey captures Veronica’s vulnerability and strength as she navigates scorn, hate, and being ostracized, all for just being who she is. Guzman and Paul are precocious at times yet have brilliant naivety, as children will often show the way for angry adults. Guzman has some tasty dialogue as Denny cares for her.
Regarding Us has no car chases, explosions, or artificial conflicts to manipulate the audience’s emotions. The film finds its drama in the quiet moments of connection and self-discovery. This is encapsulated in the use of Pablo Neruda’s quote: “They can cut all of the flowers, but they can’t stop the spring from coming.” It’s a metaphor that resonates throughout as each character begins to bloom in their own way.

"…finds its drama in the quiet moments of connection and self-discovery."