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Trans director Sam Feder's recent film "Increased Examination" provides a compelling dual perspective – both an intimate profile of a leading trans activist and a critical examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Supreme Court

This documentary documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the significant Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments took place in late 2024, with the court finally deciding in support of Tennessee's argument, essentially allowing limitations on treatment for transgender youth to stay in place across multiple US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, shared Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to stimulate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder presents a comprehensive critique of how prominent publications have disseminated anti-trans rhetoric, the film's greatest achievement may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Normally a cautious attorney in media appearances, Strangio shows his vulnerability throughout the documentary.

This represented a significant challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Feder said he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder includes multiple trans advocates, including prominent figures from activism and the arts. This film also features viewpoints from non-trans allies who analyze how respected media outlets have contributed to harmful coverage of transgender people.

The perspective of trans minors central to the court battle is shown through a extraordinary young student named Mila. Viewers initially witness her speaking out for her community at a educational meeting, with later footage showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also includes poignant moments where Feder steps outside the constant political battle, such as footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink sequence is among my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a meditative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

Feder's focus to carefully showing Strangio adding to his body art underscores that this film is essentially about trans physical selves – not just those of youth who face restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many subjects who are featured in the film.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to carry the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. That is important to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's works stand out is his clear ability for making his trans participants feel respected, acknowledged and admired. This technique creates real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to realize his aim of showing Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a record for coming generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of incessant despair because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some sort of channel for our liberation possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really vital that we keep having that discussion alongside conversations about fighting back these laws and procedures.

This important documentary is presently available for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a later date.