Queer, Biracial Man's Journey of Self-Discovery in 'Masc'

The film 'Masc' has made its world premiere at TIFF's Next Wave Selects section, offering a sensitive character study of Robin, a queer, biracial, and neurodivergent man. Directed by Bertil Nilsson and starring Joshua Griffin, who also co-wrote the story with Nilsson, the film follows Robin as he navigates his identity through observation and imitation.

The film features a unique approach to storytelling, with Robin mostly reticent about his reactions and rarely initiating action, instead taking note of everything around him. This approach makes for a fascinating watching experience, as the audience finds themselves in Robin's shoes, trying to figure out how to behave.

Robin's journey is intense and internal, as he changes his appearance multiple times and tries on different jobs, places, and people to hang out with. He works as an apprentice handyman and lab assistant, tries to immerse himself within a therapy group, and seeks camaraderie with different guys his age. In the process, he takes on their mannerisms and models his personality on them, trying to figure out why they behave the way they do.

The film also features a character named Sky, played by Reece King, and a character named Benji, played by Tega Alexander. Director Bertil Nilsson has stated that most autistic characters are portrayed as stereotypes, not real people, and that Robin is not intended as a representation of autism, but rather a unique individual.

## Why it matters The film 'Masc' matters because it offers a unique perspective on identity and self-discovery, particularly for queer, biracial, and neurodivergent individuals. By portraying Robin as a complex and multifaceted character, the film challenges stereotypes and offers a more nuanced representation of autism and queer identity. The film's world premiere at TIFF's Next Wave Selects section is also significant, as it highlights the importance of diverse storytelling and representation in film.

The success of 'Masc' could have a significant impact on the film industry, as it showcases the importance of authentic representation and diverse storytelling. The film's unique approach to character study and its portrayal of complex identities could also inspire other filmmakers to explore similar themes and stories.