QUEENS OF THE QING DYNASTY

Star, a suicidal teen now too old for foster care, develops a candid rapport with An, a student from Shanghai assigned to watch over her in the hospital. A nightly exchange of secrets, text messages and possessions quickly expands the boundaries of their relationship, altering their inner chemistry.

Countering the iciness of the Canadian healthcare system with love, Ashley McKenzie’s offbeat tale of friendship embraces the turmoil—and the beauty—of neurodiversity and gender nonconformity. Along with the magnetic performers, the ethereal score crafts a potent alchemy of emotions and sensations.