Overview
“Runs in the Family” is a 2022 South African road trip dramedy film that artfully fuses humor, family, and self-descriptions into an unbelievably colorful movie. This film captures the poignant journey of a trans teen and his drag father and is directed by Ian Gabriel. This film attempts to provide a refreshing insight into the modern family story with a warm touch situated in South Africa’s contemporary landscape, tackling the issues of self-acceptance and generational conflict through the queer lens.
The film’s central character, Varun, a transgender boy, is 16 years of age, and tries to navigate the waters of authenticity in a world that does not fully grasp him. Together with his flamboyant side, drag performer father, Ravi, he is loved and cared for. Known for his exuberant personality, Ravi is as bold off stage as he is on. Their relationship is unique since he cannot just regard Varun as a son, but a best friend and confidant. For all the love and respect, there exists strong differences with Ravi’s identity, as well as future plans and a slightly more carefree way of life he chooses to lead.
The story kicks off when Varun’s estranged mother threatens to take him away and have him committed due to his gender identity. In an attempt to stop this from happening, Ravi and Varun go on a cross-country road trip to legally prevent any documentation that would institutionalize Varun as he self-identifies. Along the way, they encounter rural and quaint towns, quirky and terrifying encounters coupled with old family secrets. Varun’s conflicts with his estranged conservative Indian family serve as the root of Ravi’s estranged relationship with his family, forming the basis of traumas that get revisited during their road trip.
During the journey, the pair meets several society representatives, mixed in with a few welcoming strangers as well—some testing their willpower and others aiding their cause. One of them is Ravi’s father, an ex-queer non-conforming patriarch, who equally detoured Ravi’s career in drag and subsequently queerness for disowning. This family dynamic compels both Ravi and Varun to rethink their preconceived notions, coming to the challenge of healing deep-rooted scars together, to create deeper insights which inform their understanding of each other.
Varun, who has been shown shy and novice like in the beginning, grows in bravery over the course of the journey. He starts restoring his sense of self coupled with the understanding that his father’s over-the-top nature, although infuriating at times, is courageous too. On the other hand, Ravi will have to learn how to allow his brother Varun to evolve separately from Ravi’s decisions and experiences from the past.
As the title indicates, core focus of the story Runs in the Family revolves around the idea of a Chosen Family. Moreover it embodies the change brought through new generations and depicts love strong enough to rise above prejudice, even those born out of misunderstanding. It does not only tells the stories of struggles confronting queer and transgender youths. It highlights the seldom showcased complexities— and the victories of queer motherhood. By the title itself, the relationship between a queer man and his son serves as the driving force of the movie, providing a much needed fresh approach to portray family structures and their resilience devoid of authenticity.
Cast & Crew Supporting
The film has ensemble of Ahsan B as Ravi, an upbeat drag queen and a devoted father. Bhatti is known for his work in British television dramas. His approach to drama portrayed is both engaging and multifaceted. Through the execution of smile-inducing drag puts on by Ace with the offset his charm and depth drives the film. It becomes entertaining while also profound.
Gabe Gabriel, the actor portraying Varun, shows exemplary skills as the transgender adolescent who struggles to come to terms with himself in an unforgiving society. Gabe is a transgendered actor, and his casting authenticity brings profound depth to the film. His performance captures the greatly nuanced oscillation between insecurity and growing confidence and the acceptance and ambivalent autonomy of an emerging young adult.
The Director Ian Gabriel, whose earlier exploits include Forgiveness (2004) tells the story with a warm, yet empathetic lens. Gabriel allows for the plot to breathe, focusing on character dynamics rather than dramatic interactions. His direction captures the juxtaposition between the vibrant expression of drag and the muted tune of the rural conservatism of the South African countryside, reinforcing the film’s contrast and connection motifs.
It’s evident Ian Gabriel and Gabe Gabriel co-wrote the script, as it is rooted deep in lived experience. The writing appears genuine and absent of stereotypes common in queer or trans narratives. This narrative infuses love and joy along with the beautiful and at times chaotic intricacies of family rather than tragedy.
IMDb Reviews
As IMDb seems to positively accept movies whether they be well or poorly produced, ‘Runs in the Family’ looks to sit comfortably at a 7.2/10 as of 2025. It has been showcased at many film festivals, indicating the reason it has gained so much praise is the originality it portrays in the LGBTQ+ views compared to other films in the same genre. Equally, the compassion seamlessly exhibited in the film has won over the hearts of viewers and critics as well.
All reviewers share one thing in common regarding the film’s criticism, and that is ranting about how a positive spin was put on a non-dramatic tale of a transgender character. Even though the film never fails to depict the suffering offered due to living with non-accepting individuals, ‘Runs in the Family’ captures the beauty of affectionate love and unwavering joy along with acceptance provided from family—even if they are different. This approach has greatly satisfied a lot of hopeful people and becomes a shift in the film industry.
While some of the reviewers feel like the charming aspect of the film is a bit overdone, one thing they did not dispute is how it is still supposed to be on sentimental ground considering a good bond is showcased between a father and son. Regardless of the irritation from whimsicality and styled colors offered to the plot, emotional sincerity shines bright due to the cast portraying the film.
The vivid visual components of the film, such as the energetic costumes and bright colors, have also received attention. The contrast of the upbeat visuals set against the backdrop of rural life is noteworthy. This emphasis of self-expression as opposed to routine seeming monotony enhances the message that the film conveys.
The film “Runs in the Family” is centered around the seldom portrayed Triadaic model of the family which includes a transgender child coupled with a queer parent. The film successfully covers many societal issues such as the acceptance of sexual minorities along with struggles associated with being transgender.” Runs in the Family” delivers a heart warming yet strong message about embracing the truth while also emphasizing the resilience of family and love, whether they are biologically related or not, and fills the void in contemporary media’s portrayal of LGBTQ relations and friendships.
Embodying these messages and more, the documentary proves to be both relevant for current discussions but also timeless. Starts with depicting a less commonly seen queer angle; through the love, bravery, and nurturing bond between an adolescent openly identifying as a transgender and his drag queen father, who lovingly bring out the hurt inflicted by society. The duo embark on a whimsical road trip, which serves as a symbol for healing for Varun and Ravi and unconditional love.
Regardless of the informal family dynamic that the film approaches, “Runs in the Family” is touching and sorrowful, in addition to equally humorous. The piece triumphs with superlative portrayal of complex emotions while skillfully promoting acceptance of sexual diversity. Furthermore, the portrayal of transgender individuals is refreshing when few have taken the time to shed light on the actual narrative behind queer parenting. With the emotional depth, vivid storytelling as well as profound dialogues that remain long after viewing, ‘Runs in the Family’ becomes a piece that will surely remain unforgettable. It serves as a reminder, that without question, the most incredible thing a person can do is love someone.
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