'Close to You' review: Elliot Page dares to improvise in tender trans drama

Canadian actor Elliot Page stars as Sam , a trans man who is traveling to his hometown of Cobourg , Canada , to visit his family for the first time since transitioning.

Much of the drama will play out in his childhood home, between his parents, siblings, and their respective partners.

The production was made up largely of improvised dialogue — including a 53-minute take that is considerably cut down in the final edit.

Despite good intentions, Close to You has lofty aims but wobbly execution.

The bits that work best in this film are those between Sam and his parents.

Sam 's journey is carried chiefly by Page 's performance, which is sharp-eyed and big-hearted.

It's difficult to connect to the flow of the film, especially with so much stagnant dialogue.