Sundance Review: “Heightened Scrutiny” is an All-Too Timely Doc about the Fight for Transgender Rights

by Abe Friedtanzer

It’s a troubling time to be transgender in America, to say the least. Within just days of his return to the White House, Donald Trump has already taken massive steps to roll back protections against transgender people and to limit recognition of their existence in every way possible. The documentary Heightened Scrutiny carries an important message of perseverance and hope, following one lawyer arguing an important case about gender-affirming care in the delicate period between Trump’s election and inauguration while the Department of Justice is still on his side...

Chase Strangio is the first openly transgender lawyer to argue in front of the Supreme Court. He’s opposite the state of Tennessee, which has proposed a ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender youth. His line of reasoning is simple: those same treatments are available to those who identify with their sex assigned at birth, which makes the prohibition discriminatory. He’s simultaneously working on a similar case in Idaho, united with others around the country to protect what still exists because he knows that this isn’t where anyone plans to stop.

The premise of this film is urgent and feels all too relevant at the moment. But Heightened Scrutiny goes much deeper, explaining how this isn’t just about trans youth or even trans adults, which lawmakers have been recorded discussing as their ultimate endgame despite the public assertion that it is all about “protecting the children.” While right-wing transphobia is certainly very much to blame for much of what’s happening, the questioning of transgender identity by liberal media has also caused great harm in recent years, namely pieces by The New York Times which are cited almost immediately after publication as legal evidence that there are potentially problematic effects of transitioning that merit draconian laws to be instated and upheld. 

It’s disheartening to watch this film because of the many responses by prosecutors and other figures that seek to downplay the very real benefits of transitioning for those who would otherwise be at serious mental health risk. But Strangio’s determination is heartwarming and wonderful, and the subjects interviewed around him also exude great pride in their identities, affirming that it’s not possible to legislate them out of existence because they’re already here and won’t be going anywhere even if the government chooses not to recognize them.

Strangio is a magnetic figure because of the way that he speaks with such legal knowledge behind him, carefully researching and preparing his arguments at home or in his hotel room with his many tattoos visible. In audio recordings from his testimony before the Supreme Court (the case is still ongoing, set to be decided by this summer), he shows great respect to all the justices and backs up each claim he makes with both the research to prove it and a firm determination in his voice. The fervent joy and enthusiasm with which he’s greeted upon exiting the courthouse feels like reason enough to have hope, since he speaks for a community that is determined not to be trampled on and he isn’t planning to give up anytime soon, no matter the state of the country. 

It’s important to note that the content of this film will understandably be triggering for many audiences right now, and so if it feels too close to home and real life, it’s probably best avoided. But for those seeking important education about the legal defense of gender-affirming care, this film offers an excellent introductory lesson, covering the slippery slope that comes from supposedly well-intentioned investigations into detransitioners and other anomalies. In their follow-up to another critical documentary about trans people, Disclosure, Sam Feder once again delivers a movie of the moment that should be seen by the widest audience possible. B+

Heightened Security makes its world premiere in the Premieres section at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.