TIFF Movie Reviews: The Buzz on This Year's Huge Films

About Ray — in which Elle Fanning plays transgender teen Ray — has "Message Movie" written all over it, but filmmaker Gaby Dellal makes it about much more than Ray's transition. There's engrossing family drama (centered around the unit, which includes Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon) and lots of laughter from Sarandon and onscreen partner Linda Emond. It's unexpectedly lighthearted, and though it wouldn't have hurt to provide more insight into the transgender experience, it at least doesn't play out like an Afterschool Special.