The ending of Anything’s Possible shows Kelsa and Khal parting ways as they head to different colleges. Kelsa thrives at UCLA, continuing her journey of self-discovery.
Anything’s Possible, directed by Billy Porter, is a heartwarming coming-of-age romantic comedy. The film follows Kelsa, a confident transgender high school student, as she navigates her senior year. The movie has gained attention for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ themes and its focus on pride and happiness.
Plot Summary
Kelsa, a young trans girl, shares her experiences on her YouTube channel. Her vlogs act as a personal diary, where she talks about her transition and survival. Her life changes when she meets Khal in art class. Khal, who gives relationship advice on Reddit, forms an instant connection with Kelsa. Their budding romance becomes the heart of the story.
Kelsa’s mother encourages her to apply to college, emphasizing her unique experiences as a trans person. Meanwhile, Khal faces his own challenges. He wants to pursue a trade instead of attending a four-year college, a decision he struggles to communicate to his parents.
As the film progresses, Kelsa and Khal’s relationship faces several obstacles. One major conflict arises when Kelsa is falsely accused of assaulting her friend Em. This leads to a temporary rift between Kelsa and her peers. However, Em eventually admits she broke her finger by accident and apologizes to Kelsa. This resolution helps mend strained relationships and allows Kelsa to focus on her future.
Kelsa’s acceptance into UCLA with a partial scholarship marks a pivotal moment. Khal’s parents also come to understand his passion, and he secures a place at Pittsburgh Technical College. The couple spends most of their summer together, enjoying their time before the inevitable separation that college will bring.
The Ending Explained
The film’s ending is both poignant and realistic. As summer ends, Kelsa and Khal discuss their future. Khal suggests a long-distance relationship, but Kelsa believes it would be too complicated. Despite their love, they decide to part ways, acknowledging that their paths are diverging.
In the final scenes, Kelsa is seen thriving in college, continuing to share her experiences on her YouTube channel. This ending underscores the film’s central theme of self-discovery and personal growth. Kelsa’s journey is not defined solely by her relationship with Khal but by her ability to navigate life’s challenges and emerge solider.
Thematic Exploration
Survival and Self-Discovery
Survival is a recurring theme in Kelsa’s vlogs. Her journey is one of self-discovery, where she learns to embrace her identity and navigate the intricateities of being a trans teenager. The film portrays her struggles and triumphs with sensitivity, highlighting the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Representation and Visibility
Anything’s Possible is significant for its representation of a black, trans lead in a mainstream romantic comedy. This visibility is crucial in normalizing marginalized identities and providing a platform for stories often overlooked in Hollywood. The film’s portrayal of Kelsa’s experiences is both empowering and relatable, offering a nuanced depiction of trans life.
Love and Relationships
The relationship between Kelsa and Khal is central to the film’s narrative. Their chemistry and connection are palpable, filled with youthful energy and playfulness. However, the film also realistically portrays the challenges they face, including societal pressures and personal insecurities. Their decision to part ways at the end is a mature acknowledgment of the intricateities of young love.
Critical Reception
Anything’s Possible has received generally favorable reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 86% approval rating based on 64 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. The consensus reads, “Confidently helmed by debuting director Billy Porter, Anything’s Possible is a clever, warm-hearted teen rom-com with a powerfully inclusive spin” (Wikipedia).
Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100, based on 17 critics, indicating “generally favorable” reviews (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
Anything’s Possible is a groundbreaking film that offers a fresh and inclusive perspective on the coming-of-age genre. Its ending, while bittersweet, is a testament to the characters’ growth and resilience. Kelsa’s journey is one of empowerment and self-discovery, and her story is a valuable addition to the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. Billy Porter’s directorial debut is a commendable effort that balances humor, romance, and significant social themes, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking a heartfelt and meaningful film.
References
- Ready Steady Cut
- Hollywood Reporter
- The Wrap
- Paul’s Trip to the Movies
- Yahoo Entertainment
- Flickering Myth
- Flickfeast
- Roger Ebert
- The Envoy Web
- Wikipedia
- The Guardian
