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Trans director Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" offers a powerful dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional profile of a leading transgender activist and a critical examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the significant Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of Tennessee's case, effectively permitting restrictions on treatment for trans minors to stay in effect across multiple US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during an interview. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our intention was to generate discussion so people would understand more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder presents a comprehensive examination of how major news organizations have spread transphobic rhetoric, the film's primary accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in media appearances, Strangio shows his vulnerability throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep private, explained Strangio. Feder told me he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our basic existence.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's account, Feder features various trans activists, such as prominent figures from activism and entertainment. The documentary also includes viewpoints from cisgender advocates who critique how established publications have contributed to negative portrayals of trans people.

The experience of trans youth central to the court battle is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her fighting for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also includes emotional moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a body art featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

The tattoo scene is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be fully present in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly showing Strangio adding to his body art highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans bodies – not just those of young people who confront denial of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various interviewees who participate in the film.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and articulate enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my reply is anything that makes you feel confident. That is essential to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Impact and Hope

One element that makes Feder's documentaries shine is his evident skill for making his trans subjects feel respected, seen and appreciated. This technique creates genuine rapport between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted individual and leaving a record for coming generations of how resiliently he and others have campaigned for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of perpetual discouragement because of what the law is not giving us, shared Strangio. I want to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some sort of channel for our liberatory potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. We are that mirror, and it's extremely crucial that we continue having that conversation together with discussions about resisting these policies and practices.

This significant film is presently obtainable for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader launch at a subsequent date.