Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
A Kid Like Jake
Director: Silas Howard (“Transparent,” “By Hook or by Crook”)
Cast: Claire Danes, Priyanka Chopra, Octavia Spencer, Jim Parsons
Details: The Brooklyn-shot indie is based on the 2013 play by Daniel Pearle and helmed by award-winning trans director Silas Howard. Set to get a prime spot at the Sundance Film Festival this year, it will depend on review love to break out of the indie scene. Howard’s been in the TV world of late, achieving success with the likes of “This Is Us” and “Transparent,” so his big screen return with the topic of families dealing with gender identity should ring out with a welcome authenticity.
Set on the eve of the admissions cycle for New York City kindergartens, a couple (Claire Danes, Jim Parsons) have high hopes for their bright and precocious 4-year-old son who prefers dressing as princesses as opposed to GI Joes. As they navigate their roles as parents, a rift grows between them which forces them to confront their own concerns about what’s best for Jake and each other.