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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" provides a moving two-part viewpoint – both an emotional portrait of a leading transgender activist and a critical analysis of media coverage about transgender issues.

Legal Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for court proceedings in the landmark Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle happened in December 2024, with the court finally ruling in support of the state's argument, essentially enabling bans on treatment for transgender youth to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during an interview. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder offers a extensive critique of how prominent news organizations have promoted transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Normally a measured lawyer in public appearances, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Feder explained he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in service of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder features multiple transgender activists, including respected figures from media and entertainment. The documentary also includes viewpoints from cisgender advocates who examine how mainstream organizations have contributed to harmful coverage of trans people.

The experience of trans minors key to the legal case is shown through a impressive young girl named Mila. Audiences observe her fighting for her community at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her protesting for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also contains touching moments where Feder moves beyond the constant legal battle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo scene is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Representation

Feder's dedication to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not just those of youth who face denial of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various participants who participate in the documentary.

I produce films with a purpose, and part of that is choosing people who are outstanding and eloquent enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my answer is anything that makes you feel confident. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our image.

Impact and Hope

One factor that makes Feder's films excel is his evident ability for making his transgender subjects feel comfortable, acknowledged and valued. This approach creates authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to achieve his goal of showing Strangio as a whole human being and providing a testament for future generations of how determinedly he and others have fought for transgender rights.

I don't want people to end up in a state of perpetual despair because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some type of pathway for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's really vital that we continue having that discussion together with conversations about pushing against these laws and approaches.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently accessible for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a subsequent date.