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Amos Lassen wrote on 03/18/2010:

"Zerophilia"


What's in Your Genes?

Amos Lassen

"Zerophilia" (TLA Releasing) is a wonderful comedy and totally offbeat. I had no idea what to expect and the first few minutes of the film did not help. Yet as the movie progressed I found myself getting involved in it. For those of you who do not know what zerophilia is, a bit of explanation is due. It seems that some people are born with an extra chromosome which allows them to alternate between male and female. (No this is not a real medical condition—at least as far as I could find.)
Taylor Hadley plays an Oregon student who finds that his body is beginning to change and he is bewildered (to say the least) when his penis becomes a vagina and breasts suddenly appear on his chest. This is particularly upsetting to him when he begins to date a new girl. He has no control of when the change will take place and it seems to happen at the most inopportune times (like on a date). His roommate, to whom he has confided his secret, brings in a doctor who also suffers from the affliction and the only way to cur the situation is sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex—depending upon which sex he is. The surprising thing is that zerophilia is more widespread than anyone can imagine and this is what brings the humor into the movie.
I am really not sure how to classify the film—it is funny but it is also alarming as the mind begins to wander if such a thing can possibly happen. In the cast of actors we have some really good performances—so good in fact that the ailment actually seems real. By and large the whole thing is rather sophomoric but enjoyable none the less
What the movie does do is question the nature of gender in a comedic way. Gender has become such an issue of late that it is good to see someone actually poke fun at what is considered the “norm� in society. Aside from that, Taylor Hadley is so cute that just to watch him makes the entire movie worthwhile.
The DVD cover explains zerophilia as when an organism is “capable of mutating gender to suit� its surroundings. The problem is that the mutation has no concern for time or place. When Luke (Taylor Handley) is on a date and starts to become a woman is one of the most amusing scenes I have seen on film in a long time.
Obviously a low budget flick, I admire the director for attempting to take on such a topic. It is fun to watch and although you think you have the entire business figured it, you will be surprised at the end of the film. I have a feeling that this film may pave the way for more films that deal with gender and its role. At times the movie seems downright sly but in looking at in retrospect, I must say that I enjoyed it and recommend it to all.
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canadalaw wrote on 05/15/2007:

I was quite disappointed in this film. I expected a lot more given its subject matter. The acting in the movie was fine, it just disappointed me in its "protrayal" of transgenderism" . For example, a person's sexuality does not change if their gender changes.

The only trans character I felt was honestly drawn was the "doctor".

Julie wrote on 01/07/2007:

This movie was great! I saw it in the theatre with my son who is THE SUPPORTING LEAD in Zerophilia. I am very disappointed that you don't even list his name in the cast. It is Dustin Seavey and he rocks in this movie. Please add his name to the cast.
Thanks, Dustin's Mom