Ester Martin Bergsmark’s underseen Something Must Break is one of the most profound representations of transgender identity recently depicted in cinema.
Having cruised the festival and international circuits, American audiences have had limited access to the feature: Something Must Break was shown last year at the Tribeca and Chicago film festivals, and has not had a wider release. Which is unfortunate, because the film is an exquisite, poignant and touching love story that spans the emotional gamut: identity, belonging and self-discovery.
At its center are Andreas, a sensitive straight Swedish male, and Sebastian, an androgynous boy in the process of transitioning into Ellie. The two embark on a tumultuous, passionate Summer romance that takes them on a journey of self-discovery—in his pursuit of Sebastian’s female counterpart, Andreas is struggling to accept Sebastian, the boy, while the emotionally fragile Sebastian is coming to grips with his changing reality.
A telling moment occurs when Andreas, confused by falling in love with Sebastian/Ellie, yells to his lover, “I am not gay”. “Me neither” replies Sebastian/Ellie.
Something Must Break is, at once, vibrant and dim, a universal story about discovering one’s identity—any identity—and the power of human connections.
Something Must Break is inspired by Eli Levén’s novel You are the roots that sleep beneath my feet and hold the earth in place.
For one night only, Pioneer Works in New York City is screening the movie as part of its Feature Fridays series this week on July 31st.
Something Must Break is screening at Pioneer Works on Friday, July 31st. Purchase tickets here.