Capsule Review: A trans woman, who also happens to be an illegal immigrant, forms a romantic relationship with a man battling alcoholism in the poignant Lingua Franca. Featuring great performances by both Isabel Sandoval, who also wrote and directed the movie, and Eamon Farren, the movie is powered by their unlikely chemistry. Though the film starts off a bit jumbled, introducing several characters who have little bearing on the plot, Lingua Franca comes to life when it becomes comfortable with its two flawed protagonists.

Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.