In the Turn

In the Turn is an incredibly moving and powerful documentary that was released in 2014. Directed by Erica Tremblay, this film goes beyond your typical factual reporting and presents an emotional journey into the life of Crystal, a ten-year-old transgender girl from Canada, who finds embrace and hope in the liberating world of roller derby.

Crystal, who hails from the small town of Timmins, Ontario in Canada, is at the heart of the narrative. From a very young age, Crystal identifies as a girl. However, her conviction about her gender identity incites ridicule, rejection, and even bullying from her peers, leading to a deeply emotional and challenging struggle for acceptance. This struggle, however, extends beyond her school or social circles as the societal norms come in the way of her participation in the most beloved national pastime of her country – sports.

The compelling narrative takes a heartening turn – hence the title, In the Turn – when Crystal stumbles upon Vagine Regime, an international queer collective of roller derby players. Now, roller derby is an adrenaline-charged, contact team sport that features fast-paced skating and shifting formations. The Vagine Regime, founded in 2006, encompasses women, men, and transgender people who actively challenge and shatter gender norms, displaying an intense passion for the sport in inclusive, supportive environments.

Visually, the film beautifully explores the liberating world of roller derby, the compelling speed and agility of the sport, and the thrill of its physical contact, providing mood-lifting moments of optimism contrasted against the harsh realities of Crystal's life. The aesthetic and inclusive community that roller derby encapsulates is nothing short of a safe haven for Crystal, offering a sense of belonging she's long yearned for.

The picture successfully documents Crystal's journey through the kick-starting of a crowdfunding campaign that aims to bring her to a roller derby camp in the United States. Alongside that, the documentary takes you through a series of heart-touching interviews with various members of the Vagine Regime. These poignant recounts, from different corners of the world, narrate their own stories marked with stigmatization, discrimination, and challenges of breaking the shackles of conventional societal norms, only to find acceptance and empowerment in roller derby.

What makes In the Turn particularly endearing is the remarkable empathy that Tremblay manages to capture, making each character's story more personal and compelling to the viewer. It is a heartening testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as an exploration of community building, directing a powerful statement towards gender expression and identity.

Rather than simplifying the narration into mere facts, In the Turn delves into the varied layers of individual experiences, difficulties, and triumphs. Tremblay presents a deft balance between Crystal's journey and the soul-stirring accounts from diverse members of Vagine Regime – combining them into a single, impactful narrative.

This beautiful and touching documentary is an exploration of human resilience and spirit, a testament to sport's power, and a beacon of hope for all those who find themselves in similar struggles. The documentary surpasses generic boundaries and therefore, whether you're trans, cis, queer, straight, or simply a sports enthusiast, In the Turn has something worthwhile to offer for everyone.

Regardless of the viewer’s personal circumstances, this film will strike a chord with you. There is something incredibly powerful about seeing individuals defy societal norms to unapologetically be themselves. And the fact that this all takes place in the exciting world of roller derby only adds to its appeal.

In the Turn is more than just a documentary about a sport, it's a heartening testament to human resilience, the strength of community, and the transformative power of acceptance and love. It’s an eye-opener into the struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals and the LGBTQ+ community at large. Moreover, it emphasizes that sports can indeed serve as a powerful agent to overcome societal bias, enhancing inclusivity and solidarity.

In the end, 'In the Turn' is a must-watch – a gripping, inspirational and heart-stirringly beautiful documentary that champions diversity and inclusivity, one roller derby game at a time.