[Daniela] Vega is mesmerizing as the protagonist.

Vega's performance is riveting, but writer and co-director Sebastián Leilo's use of sex and gender to shape his narrative is straight out of a '50s melodrama.

The picture works as an extended scream against lazy assumptions and blinkered bigotry. But it is also light, funny, wry and inspiring.

In doses of hard truth, the unbearable difficulties outnumber moments allowing triumph and happiness and the minor musings occur more than serious questions. The film is bold, but still slight.