Girl

Lara Verhaeghen, a fifteen-year-old transgender girl, receives exciting news of her acceptance into a prestigious ballet school in Antwerp. This opportunity represents a significant milestone for her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, marking the beginning of her journey in ballet.

Excited about her acceptance, Lara moves closer to the ballet school with the support of her father, Matthias, and her younger brother, Milo. This transition plays a crucial role in her life as she embarks on her journey towards self-discovery and artistic expression.

Lara starts discussing her gender dysphoria with medical professionals, leading to her taking puberty blockers. This decision significantly impacts her physical and emotional journey, as she strives to align her body with her gender identity.

Although recognized as a transgender girl, Lara finds acceptance among her classmates, who allow her to use the girls' locker room. Despite this, she experiences internal struggles and chooses to use a private restroom for comfort.

In an attempt to conform to her gender identity, Lara follows the advice of tucking her penis with tape, which takes a severe toll on her body during rigorous ballet training. Despite the physical pain, her dedication to ballet urges her to endure through the adverse effects.

While Lara supports her brother Milo, who struggles to adapt to her transition, he still refers to her by her deadname. This added emotional burden complicates Lara's experience as she tries to navigate her own identity while helping her brother.

Lara's doctors determine she is ready to start her sex reassignment surgery journey, prompting her to sign consent documents. This step is significant, as it sets the foundation for her long-term goals and desires regarding her identity.

As Lara begins hormone replacement therapy, she becomes increasingly impatient with her body's gradual changes. This impatience heightens her emotional struggles and emerges as part of her quest for authenticity.

Experiencing bullying during a sleepover leads Lara to leave early and return home. Upon a visit to the doctor, her father learns that Lara has lost weight and developed a genital infection due to the tape, prompting discussions about her health.

After a near breakdown in class, Lara finds solace in an interest from a boy in her building, leading to an intimate encounter. This moment triggers conflict with her father, Matthias, as Lara struggles emotionally to communicate her feelings.

Following a collapse during a rehearsal, Lara's health comes into question as her father expresses concern over her lack of appetite. A doctor's visit reveals that dancing must cease so she can focus on regaining her strength for upcoming surgery.

During a family dinner, Lara seems to be in better spirits and enjoys the compliments she receives for her stunning new dress. This uplifting moment showcases her resilience and the stability in her family despite their struggles.

In a moment of despair, Lara resorts to self-harm, severely mutilating her penis. This shocking act brings her father into urgent action, emphasizing the depth of her emotional turmoil and the urgent need for support.

Following Lara's self-harm, Matthias stays by her side during the intense emergency response, providing unwavering support throughout the ambulance ride. This moment underscores the bond between father and daughter amidst the chaos of her crisis.

In the film's conclusion, Lara emerges recovered and walks confidently down the street with her shorter hair. This newfound confidence symbolizes her readiness to embrace her future and the journey of self-acceptance.