From Jeff Nelson

Fertility and gender identity are personal-turned-political matters that continue to be global hot buttons. Gianluca Matarrese’s GEN_ lifts the veil on the doctor-patient relationship and the emotionally demanding conversations surrounding their sense of fulfillment. This documentary allows these folks to reclaim power over their own narratives, although it lacks depth across the numerous participants’ journeys.

At Milan’s Niguarda public hospital, Dr. Maurizio Bini finds a purpose in aiding patients suffering at the hands of a conservative system. He oversees those undergoing IVF with journeys including their gender identity discovery. Dr. Bini navigates the fine line between medical ethics and political correctness to empower people seeking self-gratification in their bodies.

Matarrese constructs GEN_ as a quasi-anthology of sorts with Dr. Bini sitting at its core. He reflects with office staff on healthcare’s current climate and the often neglected responsibility doctors have regarding their patients. Dr. Bini wears many hats, counseling the numerous faces coming and going from his office. His medical services include a heavy dose of empathy, providing them with realistic expectations without judging their truth.

The majority of the folks walking through his door display an understandable discomfort to their conversations — a clear exhibition of baggage from prior discussions with medical professionals without the desire to understand and provide proper care. Dr. Bini disarms them with his sense of humor and sincere respect, often going the extra step to ensure their comfort. Whether he’s helping an older couple yearning for a child or transgender youth seeking gender-affirming care, his warm presence is a safe space for them to express their need to feel whole.

The problem is the number of stories packed into GEN_. Some appointments run longer than others and are merely snapshots of one small step in the patient's journey. Matarrese doesn’t really follow up with the patients, generating a revolving door of stories that end just as the audience begins to connect with them. The same lack of depth also applies to Dr. Bini, a fascinating subject with minimal background to speak of.

GEN_ depicts the marvelous impact of compassion and kindness in the medical field, especially during these volatile times. The robust authenticity fuels this intersection between fertility and gender identity, even if the constantly shifting narratives sacrifice depth. It’s unlikely to change any hearts, but it provides a unique perspective on very intimate matters and their relation to the social systems that restrict autonomy over their bodies.

Rating: 3/5

GEN_ played Sundance 2025 on January 24th, 2025.

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