Enigma

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1:56

Enigma

2025

1h 34m

Documentary

LGBTQ+

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5 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Exploring transgender identity and legacy and chronicling the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear, and others, acclaimed filmmaker Zackary Drucker explores questions of identity and survival, revealing the disparate but intertwined stories of women whose lives helped shape trans culture and history. Their experiences, varied and complex, highlight the costs associated with living their truths and explore what is gained and lost by defining their identities.

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John Paul King

Washington Blade

Jul 7

The contrast between the life each of these women chose to live speaks volumes, and makes “Enigma” into one of the most interesting — and truthful — trans documentaries to emerge thus far.

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John Serba

Decider

Jun 29

In an age of celeb-puff-piece documentaries, it’s rare to see such tension between interviewer and subject.

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Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

Jun 26

The non-answers in Enigma prove as satisfying as the answers do. If not more so.

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

Jun 20

The film veers toward disrespect in its hounding of [Amanda Lear], not to mention its inclusion of her so prominently in such a documentary.

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Mey Rude

Out Magazine

Feb 7

A+

Through her work, Drucker is documenting vital parts of trans history — making sure that no one can deny that we've always been here, highlighting the fact that we will always be here, and underscoring the many ways in which no one can erase us.

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alan g

@agenser Sep 4

I thought the movie was about the ww2 machine or the composer, not about gender bending freaks.

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Dan C

@cinemacriterion Jul 3

Fascinating story! Zackary Drucker proving to be a documentarian to watch.

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Michelle H.

@shelby060863 Jun 28

I loved hearing April’s story. Amanda couldn’t tell the truth if her life depended on it. I am so disappointed.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 28

Success in 1 hour and 34 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Zackary Drucker

Director

Amanda Lear

Self

Rebecca Root

Self

April Ashley

Self

Madison Passarelli

Producer

Douglas Banker

Producer

Enigma: Trailer

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Synopsis

Exploring transgender identity and legacy and chronicling the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear, and others, acclaimed filmmaker Zackary Drucker explores questions of identity and survival, revealing the disparate but intertwined stories of women whose lives helped shape trans culture and history. Their experiences, varied and complex, highlight the costs associated with living their truths and explore what is gained and lost by defining their identities.

Director: Zackary Drucker
Producer: Madison Passarelli, Douglas Banker, Alex Garinger, Noah Levy, Donovan Lovell, Stephen Strout
Distributor: Max
Production Co: Five All in the Fifth, HBO Documentary Films
Genre: Documentary, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 24, 2025
Runtime: 1h 34m

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