A unique story of trans identity, tradition, and self-discovery comes to life on Netflix‘s Transmitzvah. Ariel Gurevich and Daniel Burman wrote this Spanish-language movie together. It’s about gender and faith and is very deep. It’s an adventure with music, bright visuals, and a story that comes from the heart and has both funny and sad parts.
At age 13, Jewish boy in Argentina Rubén Singman makes a request that will change his life: he wants to have a Bat Mitzvah instead of a Bar Mitzvah under the name Mumy Singer. Arón, Rubén’s father, says no to the request, not because he doesn’t agree with Rubén’s identity, but because the name “Rubén” is important to him. Because Mumy feels hurt and rejected, she leaves her family and becomes a pop star, known for putting a modern spin on Yiddish and Hebrew classics.
Mumy (played by Penélope Guerrero) comes home years later. She sets out on a very personal quest with her brother Edwardo (Juan Minujín) to finally celebrate her Bat Mitzvah, which she was not allowed to have as a child. Or maybe a “Transmitzvah,” which is what the movie’s title suggests—something that is all her own.
A Unique Coming-of-Age Journey
Transmitzvah is a coming-of-age movie with some familiar elements. What makes it unique, though, is that it looks at identity through the lens of faith and family. Mumy’s journey isn’t just about making peace with her past; it’s also about finding a place where she can truly belong. Throughout the movie, people try to put her in pre-set roles, like Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, or even the neutral B’nei Mitzvah. But Mumy’s story is about how she made up her own idea of what a rite of passage should be like.
The movie makes you feel things because it looks at personal choice. The main idea that God cares more about intentions than labels or specifics is pushed home by Mumy’s very spiritual and artistic journey.
Moments of happiness and thought
The movie has a good mix of serious themes with funny and silly parts. The story is always funny and charming, from the dance numbers with Mumy and her group to the strange encounters, like meeting a mysterious Jewish mystic. In a memorable scene that takes place in a swimming pool, Edwardo talks about a key moment in the story while wearing funny goggles. These funny parts keep the story believable even as it goes off into the weird.
Transmitzvah is beautiful to look at. The neon-lit family clothing store, the pool with its shimmering reflections, and the bright outdoor scenes give the movie a rich, immersive look. The costumes and dances are even better, especially during musical breaks that show off Mumy’s larger-than-life personality.
Family and Making Peace
How Mumy gets along with her family is what the story is all about. Her dad turned her down at first not because he hated her, but because he didn’t understand her. As the movie goes on, small changes in how the family works together show how much love there has always been, even when they had to be apart.
A side story about Mumy’s mother (Alejandra Flechner) and her boyfriend Sergio (Gustavo Bassani) makes the movie more warm and funny. Their growing bond while Mumy was away is a parallel story of acceptance and connection. This side story doesn’t get as much attention as it could, but it has some of the most touching moments in the movie.
A Finish That’s Worth Celebrating
The thrilling and unexpected ending of Transmitzvah is a real treat. Without giving anything away, it ties the themes of choice and acceptance together in a way that feels both unexpected and natural. The trip, with all of its turns and twists, ends up being just as important as the end goal.
Watch Transmitzvah if you want to see a story that celebrates being yourself, family, and faith. It’s a great addition to Netflix’s library because of its moving performances, especially those by Penélope Guerrero, and lively plot.
For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.
