A Film Review: Beautiful Daughters by Gina Vizavi

The Vagina Monologues was written and performed by Eve Ensler in 1996. What began as conversations with her friends about sex, relationships and violence against women evolved into interviews with 200 women on which the “monologues” are based. She wrote the play to “celebrate the vagina.” A host of celebrities have since appeared in The Vagina Monologues. It was made into a movie for HBO, and has been performed in 119 countries. The book has been translated into 45 languages. In 1998 Ensler started V-day, an organized response against violence toward women that raises money and consciousness, described as a “fierce, wild, unstoppable community and movement.”

The cast on opening night with Jane Fonda.

I saw the play at a local University with a cast of twenty-five women, who performed the monologues which cover topics from sex, love and orgasm to menstruation, birth, incest, mutilation and rape; and found it to be a profoundly moving experience. The play is an intense, empowering vehicle for women (and men), and is educational as well as entertaining.

Imagine my reaction, then, when I discovered Beautiful Daughters, among Netflix films with transgender themes. The movie is what you might call The Vagina Monologues with a twist, and is no less remarkable than the original play. Ensler interviews five trans-women about their life experiences growing up, transitioning, and their relationships with families and those they love. It includes scenes of Ensler directing rehearsals of The Vagina Monologues in which these women have been cast as well as their performance of the play.

Each of the women has their own unique story to tell, and they are all inspiring role models.

The Cast:
Calpernia Addams
Lynn Conway
Andrea James
Leslie Townsend
Valerie Spencer

You can view Beautiful Daughters on the Web at Logo. It is also available on DVD.

Category: Transgender Fun & Entertainment