52 Tuesdays 2015

16-year-old Billie lives in the suburbs of Australia, navigating a complex family situation when one of her parents comes out as a transgender man named James. This revelation unfolds a new chapter in Billie’s life, as she learns that she needs to live with her other parent, James’s ex-husband Tom, for an entire year. This arrangement limits Billie’s interactions with James to a specific window on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 22:00, starting on 23 August. The film is structured into 52 segments, each highlighting one of these Tuesdays, beginning with a card that marks the date.

During these weekly visits, after spending time with James, Billie sneaks away to engage in secret encounters with two older students, Josh and Jasmine, in an apartment provided by her uncle Harry. These encounters lead Billie to film their intimate explorations together, blurring the lines of adolescence and burgeoning sexuality.

However, the journey isn’t without its hurdles. James faces challenges in his transition when his body reacts poorly to testosterone injections, forcing him to halt treatment. Things take a dramatic turn when Billie, in a moment of impulsivity, sends Jasmine a nude photograph of herself, leading to serious repercussions as it is deemed child pornography. The situation escalates when the school principal, along with James, Tom, and Jasmine, express their disapproval. Billie is left in shock when James destroys one of her tapes, prompting her to cut off communication with him.

As complications arise, Josh distances himself from Billie due to Tom’s firm stance against their relationship. In a moment of doubt, Billie considers destroying the last tape documenting their experiences, yet it’s trapped in James’s house, and without his access, she relies on Harry, who ultimately helps her by disposing of it.

As the year draws to a close, a sense of reconciliation begins to blossom. Billie and James mend their relationship, culminating in her return to live with him. Additionally, her friendships with Josh and Jasmine are rekindled, bringing a sense of closure and newfound camaraderie as they all navigate the tangled web of their past experiences.