9 hours ago
Trans Director Zackary Drucker’s “Enigma” Shines Spotlight on Trans Icons in HBO Max Premiere
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
On June 24, 2025, HBO Max premiered “Enigma,” a groundbreaking documentary directed by Zackary Drucker, a prominent trans filmmaker known for her work on projects like “Transparent” and “The Lady and the Dale.” “Enigma” delves into the lives of Amanda Lear, the multifaceted entertainer, and April Ashley, a model and trailblazer, both of whom rose from the legendary Le Carrousel trans cabaret in Paris to international fame. Their stories, while parallel in many ways, diverged dramatically in how they navigated public scrutiny and their trans identities.
Drucker’s documentary juxtaposes the paths of Lear and Ashley. April Ashley became a face of transgender visibility in Europe after being outed during a highly public divorce—a moment that forced her into the spotlight as one of the earliest openly transgender celebrities in the UK. In contrast, Amanda Lear, known for her ambiguous persona and global pop career, distanced herself from her trans identity, severing ties with pre-transition friends and publicly denying her past. Drucker’s film examines the pressures that shaped their choices, offering a nuanced portrait of trans experience in eras less accepting than today.
The release of “Enigma” comes amid ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. According to GLAAD’s 2025 Studio Responsibility Index, the number of films featuring LGBTQ+ characters has declined for the second consecutive year, with only two films this year featuring transgender characters. Screen time for LGBTQ+ characters has also dropped, and major studios continue to fall short on meaningful inclusion. In this context, Drucker’s work stands out not only for its subject matter but also for its commitment to telling trans stories with complexity and care.
A24, a studio noted for its inclusive work, earned the only “Good” rating in the GLAAD report, while most major studios received “Insufficient” or “Poor” scores. Documentaries like “Enigma” are helping to fill the gap left by mainstream films, providing audiences with authentic narratives and pushing the industry toward greater accountability and representation.
Early reviews of “Enigma” have praised Drucker’s sensitive and insightful approach to storytelling. The film’s premiere during Pride Month adds to its resonance, offering a timely meditation on the complexities of being openly trans in the public eye—an issue still relevant as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation rise globally. LGBTQ+ advocates have lauded the film for highlighting the diversity of trans experiences and for challenging reductive narratives often seen in mainstream media.
Drucker herself has emphasized the importance of intergenerational storytelling, noting in interviews that “honoring our elders and understanding the choices they made helps us see the progress and the work that remains”. Community organizations and queer film festivals are already scheduling screenings and panel discussions to foster dialogue around the film’s themes.
As “Enigma” garners buzz, it serves as both a celebration of trans resilience and a call to action for the entertainment industry. While the documentary is a step forward, advocates stress the need for systemic change in Hollywood—demanding more opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors, directors, and storytellers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds]. Drucker’s film joins a growing list of LGBTQ+ stories commanding attention in 2025, but the data is clear: there is much more work to be done to ensure visibility and equity for all.
