A young trans man must summon all his resilience to endure a whirlwind 24 hours in New York City as his foreign father, his straight ex-boyfriend and his 13-year-old sister are all thrust back into his life.
With an eye-catching visual style and captivating performances, Lungulov-Klotz's debut is dramatic and comedic in equal measure, making for a delightful watch.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2023
Mutt 2023
“A compelling character-based drama that reveals the interior life of a young trans man over roughly 24 hours in New York City, Mutt follows Feña (Lío Mehiel) as he tries to navigate a series of events that would be stressful for anyone. Piling on setbacks that specifically challenge someone still working out how to reintroduce himself to old friends and family members, writer-director Vuk Lungulov-Klotz—who is also trans—makes audiences acutely conscious of Feña’s emotional state at every turn. Mutt which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, sees the first-time director creatively using the medium to illustrate how small incidents can chip away at a trans person’s self-confidence and the strength it takes to stay true to that identity.” — Murtada Elfadl, Variety
“Vuk Lungulov-Klotz makes a solid debut with a personal story, shaping the standout moments with an expressive attention to detail and a sensual edge. Executive produced by trailblazer of the genre Silas Howard, who along with Harry Dodge put the first trans-masculine character onscreen with their 2001 Sundance debut By Hook or Crook, Mutt signals an exciting evolution for contemporary trans cinema.” — Jude Dry, Indiewire
“A warm and open performance from actor Lío Mehiel, coupled with a steady authenticity and emotional truthfulness, make Mutt an appealing 24-hours-in-New-York drama from newcomer Vuk Lungulov-Klotz.” — Fionnuala Halligan, Screendaily