"Crossing" is a profound film, following the narrative of Lia, a retired teacher from Batumi, Georgia. Propelled by a promise made to her deceased sister, Lia ventures to Istanbul in search of her sibling's transgender child. Possessing only a name as a lead, Lia embarks on a journey through an unfamiliar city.
The film unfolds in a chaotic house where Achi, a young man still trapped in his boyhood, lives under his oppressive older brother's rule. When Lia accidentally comes across the house, Achi fabricates a story claiming that he knows her niece, Tekla. Despite her initial resistance, Lia accepts Achi's company and the two navigate the less affluent areas of Istanbul, fuelled by hope.
The roles of Lia and Achi, played by Mzia Arabuli and Lucas Kankava, are marvelously depicted. Kankava portrays Achi's innocent bravado whilst Arabuli's portrayal of Lia unravels her discomfort and buried vulnerability. These characters reflect two displaced souls creating a temporary world for themselves, drifting from their homes they may never revisit.
As the film advances, the focus shifts to Evrim, a trans woman pursuing a law degree while working for a trans rights NGO. Despite the bias she encounters from authority figures, Evrim's representation by Deniz Dumanli is grounded and genuine.
Eventually, Lia and Achi's stories cross paths with Evrim's, unveiled through narrative techniques and distinctive camerawork by Lisabi Fridell, offering viewers an intimate perspective. The film captures Istanbul's tumultuous spirit, immersing it as a significant character on its own.
