When a forgotten relic reunites two exes, they must come to terms with the drastically different directions their lives have taken. “Backsiders,” directed by Craig Newman and Jen Pitt, uses its quiet seaside town setting to explore a shift in identity. Andy is transitioning from female to male, while dealing with an ailing mother and possibly a drinking problem. When his ex-girlfriend, Holly, gets in touch to retrieve an old picture, their already delicate lives are thrown into turmoil. Nicely shot (d.p. Michael Barringer) and performed (Hennessy and Liza J. Bennett), the film deconstructs itself mid-way, elevating its measured theatrical / literary foundations, into some sort of experimental re-do. While it turns on its head without a full explanation, it doesn’t feel like a betrayal.

Directed by Craig Newman and Jen Pitt. Produced by Craig Newman, Jen Pitt, and Michael Barringer. Screenplay/Director of Photography: Michael Barringer. Starring Hennessy and Liza J. Bennett.