☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Gabrielle Baillargeon-Michaud. 

They/Them is a captivating documentary about rock climbing directed by filmmakers Blake McCord and Justin Clifton from Flagstaff, Arizona, and produced by the eco-conscious sportswear brand Patagonia as part of their commitment to the community. It introduces us to Lor Sabourin, a trans climber who has made history as the first non-binary individual to achieve a grade 5.14a climb in traditional climbing. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Arizona’s canyons, the climb, known as ‘The Cousin of Death’, features a massive 600-foot wall divided into five pitches. The landscapes, cinematography, and climbing scenes are, as you might guess, absolutely breathtaking.

Blake McCord, also non-binary and active within the climbing community, reached out to Lor Sabourin to document their journey as a transgender individual and an athlete¹. We are taken on a powerful emotional journey as we witness the strength and vulnerability of Lor Sabourin. They open up about their transition to a non-binary identity and address challenging issues like body dysphoria and eating disorders. Additionally, Lor shares how climbing has been transformative, teaching them invaluable lessons on overcoming fears of falling and heights, and managing stress and anxiety effectively.

This one-hour documentary available on YouTube offers a refreshing, even soothing, take on climbing documentaries. Unlike films like Free Solo (2018), 14 Peaks (2021), and The Dawn Wall (2018), which all focus on shattering world records at great personal risk, They/Them offers a different narrative. It explores the intersection of gender identity and mental health, celebrates the personal and athletic resilience of Lor Sabourin, and promotes a vision of climbing that prioritizes self-care and healing above all.

¹ https://www.patagonia.com/stories/love-scaled-up/story-102657.html 

Reference:

Director/Creator: Blake McCord and Justin Clifton
Title: They/Them
Release date: October 2021

This documentary is available on YouTube.