A tipsy hookup between a Latine trans woman and a rough-edged skater boy from her past becomes a vulnerable deep-dive into identity, intimacy, and the messy beauty of post-surgical sex, forgiveness, and self-worth.
NOT EXACTLY STRANGERS follows Reed, a trans woman navigating post-op healing, as she invites Jonah, an impulsive, tattoo-scribbling skater bro with more charisma than emotional maturity, into her bedroom after matching on Tinder. Their awkward, flirtatious banter slowly reveals a shared past: they knew each other years ago, before Reed transitioned. As their flirtation deepens into physical intimacy, Reed confronts the dissonance between her emotional vulnerability and Jonah's drunken eagerness. Their sexual encounter stumbles over pain—both physical and emotional. Reed opens up about her transition and the surgery. Jonah, both curious and clueless, responds with surprising sweetness and an equal amount of ignorance. Reed teaches him, forgives him, challenges him. Jonah surprises her with sincerity—tattooing her name on his thigh, shaving her legs, and cuddling in bed. But even with that, the anxieties linger: Does he see her for who she is now, or is he chasing a fetishized idea? Their first time becomes a raw, imperfect, comedic, and deeply human moment. A mix of moans and miscommunication, humor and heart, boundaries tested and respected. And in the end, even after the sweat dries and the Polaroid develops, Reed is still left wondering: is this love—or just someone trying to be enough?
Ryan Rox(she/they) is a queer, Latine Director, Writer, and Actor of Trans Non-Binary experience, living and working in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rox also works as a Co-Director at the film organization Femme Frontera, supporting marginalized Femme and Gender-Expansive filmmakers of color from border regions, with an emphasis on those in Las Cruces, El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Rox recently released and licensed her first feature film, HIDDEN FLORA, which will be exclusively streaming on Here TV this Summer. Rox is grateful to have showcased her work at NewFest, TRANSlations, the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, and many more. Rox and her work have been supported by Femme Frontera’s Filmmaker Grant with mentorship from Aitch Alberto; Film Fatales’ Fatales Forward: Trans Stories Fellowship with mentorship from Olivia Peace; Daniella’s Guestbook; and The Dazey Phase. Her primary filmmaking focus is uplifting queer voices and narratives; carving out inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC employment and community building; and bringing awareness to and sparking empathy in those unfamiliar with or misinformed about the community. Additionally, her acting credits include a role in A24/Showtime’s “The Curse,” alongside Emma Stone.
Producer/Writer/Director/Actor - Ryan Rox
Producer/Actor - Nick Check
First Assistant Director - Natalie Streander
Cinematographer - Aaron Walterscheid
Intimacy Coordinator - Heather Maria Ács
