A Deal with the Universe

A Deal with the Universe is a 2018 documentary film from the United Kingdom, following the life of Jason Barker and his partner, Tracey. Jason Barker, who's also the film's director, takes viewers through a decade of his life using personal footage collected over that time. While the film primarily follows Barker's own journey, it also gives audiences a valuable, broad perspective on gender identity, parental love, and the courage it takes to be authentic in a world that can sometimes be largely unaccepting.

The story begins with Jason and Tracey deciding to have a baby. However, their journey to parenthood isn't one of conventional means. Jason, a transgender man, pauses his transition to carry their child, which introduces a unique dimension to the narrative. The film examines the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges of pregnancy, contextualized within the experiences of a transgender man. With selfless determination, Jason tackles these challenges head-on, contributing to an incredibly moving cinema experience.

Jason Barker brings an intimate and personal approach to his film, using self-shot footage and diary entries to make the narrative feel raw, real, and heartfelt. This approach leads to instances of profound vulnerability, as he openly shares his physical transitions, the difficulties he encounters during the process and his deep-seated desire to become a parent. The documentary becomes more than just about a man trying to get pregnant; it’s about the human capacity to endure and persevere in the face of hardship.

Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, the film encapsulates a rollercoaster of emotions. However, the all-pervasive theme is one of hope and unwavering determination. Despite the hardships, the couple's shared dream of having a family remains the momentum that propels their journey forward. The film brings to light the particular struggles of transgender individuals, yet it connects a broader audience by zooming in on universally shared experiences of love, struggle, and triumph.

A Deal with the Universe takes a raw examination of the expectations and realities of the human body's capabilities. By documenting his own physical changes and medical procedures, Jason doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the process. He challenges the ideas of traditional conception and childbirth, making strong commentary on societal norms around gender, sexuality, and parenthood.

Jason and Tracey's relationship forms the heart of the film. Tracey, an unwavering pillar of support, stands by Jason throughout their journey, equally sharing in their joys and sorrows. Their love story is told with sensitivity and honesty, painting a very human picture of their daily struggles and interpersonal dynamics. Their unyielding commitment to each other is as much a testament to the strength of their relationship as it is to their shared desire to bring a new life into their world. Throughout the film, their shared dreams and struggles paint a profound and intimate portrait of love, partnership, and parenthood.

At its core, A Deal with the Universe is a film about hope, resilience, and the lengths that people will go to fulfill a deeply held desire. By chronicling a decade in his life, Jason Barker documents ordinary moments that, when threaded together, form an extraordinary narrative. From quiet moments at home to the stress of hospital visits, everything is poignantly captured. It is a testament to the human spirit's perseverance and an exploration of the complexities of gender, sexuality, and parenthood.

The film offers a unique perspective on a subject that generally receives little attention in mainstream cinema. Barker’s willingness to share his own personal experiences makes A Deal with the Universe not only an education about transgender experiences but also a heartwarming celebration of love, resilience, and the determination to fulfill one’s dreams. Regardless of one’s exposure or relation to transgender stories, the universal themes within this film will undoubtedly move and inspire audiences.

In conclusion, A Deal with the Universe is a unique, poignant, and deeply personal documentary. It's a powerful exploration of gender identity and the concept of family, told through the lens of a transgender man embarking on the emotional and physical journey to become a parent. Through capturing his own highs and lows, Jason Barker creates a film that challenges norms, defies expectations, and ultimately shines a light on the beauty of authenticity and love.