Top (2026)
Story overview
A 15-minute short film following Matt Levit as he undergoes gender-affirming top surgery. While navigating hospital bureaucracy with his supportive girlfriend Leisha, Matt experiences a surreal journey where his present reality merges with memories of his past self, Kimberly. The film explores themes of gender identity, medical transition, grief over the loss of his mother Nancy, and personal transformation through a blend of realistic hospital scenes and introspective flashbacks.
Parent Guide
A thoughtful, emotionally intense short film about gender transition surgery and personal history. While medically focused, it avoids graphic surgical visuals, instead using surreal sequences to explore identity and grief. Best suited for mature middle schoolers and teens who can process complex themes about gender, medicine, and loss.
Content breakdown
Medical setting with implied surgery (no graphic visuals). Some tense moments in hospital bureaucracy scenes. No physical violence.
Hospital/medical environment may be unsettling for some. Emotional intensity around surgery, gender dysphoria, and maternal loss. Surreal blending of past/present could be confusing or mildly disorienting.
No strong profanity expected in this short dramatic film. Possible mild medical or emotional dialogue.
References to chest/top surgery (gender-affirming procedure). No sexual content. Possible brief non-sexual medical context involving upper body.
No depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking. Medical setting includes standard hospital medications/anesthesia in professional context.
High emotional content around gender identity, medical transition, grief over mother's death, and self-discovery. The surreal narrative style amplifies emotional impact. Supportive relationship shown but underlying themes are weighty.
Parent tips
This film deals with mature themes including gender transition surgery, grief, and identity exploration. While there's no graphic surgery footage, the medical setting and emotional intensity may be challenging for younger viewers. The film presents gender-affirming care positively and could serve as an educational tool about transgender experiences for older children and teens. Parents should be prepared to discuss gender identity, medical procedures, and loss if watching with children.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What do you think hospitals are for?
- How do you think Matt felt when his girlfriend was with him?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- Why do you think Matt wanted this surgery?
- What are some ways we can support friends going through hard times?
- How do memories help us understand ourselves better?
- What does 'gender-affirming' mean to you?
- How might losing his mother affect Matt's journey?
- Why is it important for people to make decisions about their own bodies?
- How does this film portray the medical system's role in gender transition?
- What parallels do you see between physical transformation and emotional growth?
- How might society's views about gender affect someone's surgical journey?
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.