A life-affirming film about one transgender woman in conservative Texas, Our Dad, Danielle tells the story of Danielle Joy “DJ” Healey, who make the transition from father, husband and high powered male patent lawyer to middle-aged woman in her forties.
Healey is no stranger to the camera in terms of stories being told, as her previous life was documented in a book that became the 2015 film Leaves of the Tree. You may remember Eric Roberts playing the lawyer and head of the family in that slight sentimental mystery film.
Now, Danielle Healey’s story as a woman is about to be told, with the help of her wife, daughter, and friends. Written and directed by SE King, this is very frank about the mental issues around accepting (not choosing) to become the person you always wanted to be. As a child, young Healey cross-dressed and “wanted to be Mary Tyler Moore.”
Marriage (to Becky) and a hectic career followed, but only in private and, eventually, on business trips with an understanding colleague, was it possible for ‘Danielle’ to start to emerge.
There are practicalities like telling the family, choosing a wig, discovering how to use make-up, getting a sense of dress style, as well as dealing with navigating a world where dealing with confrontation or harassment is different as a woman.
It was interesting to see Danielle finding focus in defending transgender women in the ‘bathroom debate’, which has ignited feelings worldwide, especially following the recent US election.
She is also seen assisting one woman seeking asylum after suffering serious violence and sexual assault in Honduras and has definite empathy with her situation.
However, I felt that she was rather reticent about her own journey, as was her supportive wife, and wondered what the barriers were that prevented that discussion from taking place between them earlier.
Having said that, I do feel that films like this continue to be essential while debates rage about what defines a woman legally, biologically, and emotionally.
Women like Danielle Healey, and others who are brave enough to embrace their authentic selves later in life, should be supported and accepted in their journey.
It is gratifying to see that Healey’s family do support and accept her, even if they occasionally deadname or misgender her (without malice). It is also great to see her remain a successful partner in her law business.
I would recommend this.
Our Dad, Danielle was released this month by Buffalo 8 on all major TVOD platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube.