Prodigal Sons

Paul excels in high school, gaining recognition as a star athlete and a top student. He is celebrated for his achievements, named 'best looking' and earning the title of class valedictorian, but feels an internal struggle with his male identity.

Feeling a disconnect with the male identity assigned to him at birth, Paul embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. This transformative period leads him to embrace his true self and adopt the name Kimberly Reed.

As Kimberly discovers her identity as a confident woman and a lesbian, she navigates the challenges of transitioning. This important step in her life is marked by a significant shift in family dynamics and personal acceptance.

In a parallel journey of self-acceptance, Kimberly's younger brother, Todd, finds the courage to come out as gay. The shared experiences of both siblings highlight the evolving understanding of identity within the family.

With a passion for storytelling, Kimberly Reed ventures into filmmaking. She decides to create a documentary that examines her experience and perspective while preparing for her high school reunion.

Kimberly travels back to Montana to document her journey and reconnect with family, friends, and classmates. This trip serves as a backdrop for exploring the changes in her life and the pride she feels in her identity.

Throughout her documentary, Kimberly candidly shares interactions with her family and old friends. She aims to educate them about the realities and challenges faced by transgender individuals.

A significant part of Kimberly's journey involves addressing her relationship with her adopted brother, Marc. He struggles to accept Kimberly as female, leading to moments of tension but also deeper understanding.

During the documentary, Kimberly uncovers surprising revelations about Marc's heritage, discovering he is the secret grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth. This revelation adds layers to their complicated family dynamic.

As the narrative progresses, Marc's mental health begins to deteriorate. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and family rivalry, he ultimately makes the decision to voluntarily admit himself into a mental health facility.

Amidst her challenges, Kimberly revisits her past, reflecting on the years spent living as male. Her retrospective journey helps her confront both personal and familial struggles tied to her identity.

The film sheds light on the complexities of family interactions as Kimberly and Todd grapple with their identities. It explores how their experiences impact the broader family narrative and individual relationships.

The story poignantly examines the intersection of mental health struggles and family dynamics. It highlights the unique barriers faced by those trying to understand evolving relationships in light of identity changes.

On February 11, 2010, Kimberly Reed and her mother, Carol, appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.' Their segment titled 'Transgender Transition' shared their journey with a larger audience, highlighting both challenges and triumphs.