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Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) directs this adaptation of David Ebershoff’s novel, based loosely on the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first people ever to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) is outstanding as, at first, Einar Wegener, and later as Lili. Redmayne’s transformation is a beguiling one, capturing all the seduction and trepidation a life-altering revelation should have. Equally outstanding — if not more — is Alicia Vikander as Einar/Lili’s wife and fellow painter, Gerda Wegener. Due to the nature of the story, we experience much of the film through Gerda’s eyes. Vikander makes Gerda’s love for both Einar and Lili unconditional, even through convincing bouts of confusion, melancholy, and heartache. The film rides squarely on the shoulders of these two performers and they do it proud. Beautiful photography, production design, art direction, costumes, and music by Alexandre Desplat further lift the material. Ebershoff’s fictionalized account of the material may veer a little too close to soap opera for some viewers, but the performances and subject matter make it one of the most moving films of the year.

Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress (Alicia Vikander)

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor (Eddie Redmayne), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design