A Kid Like Jake

The generalized title of A Kid Like Jake has obvious intent — which is why parents of young schoolchildren might laugh, cry, or both after watching this sincere portrait of a couple forced to confront their feelings about gender nonconformity.

This compassionate yet unsettling drama might hit close to home for some, but resonates widely with a message about inclusivity and embracing differences that doesn’t turn exploitative or heavy-handed.

The story is set in Brooklyn, where former lawyer Alex (Claire Danes) and therapist Greg (Jim Parsons) would like to send their 4-year-old son (Leo James Davis) to a private school they really can’t afford. Even if they take advantage of some connections, there’s another issue: Jake prefers Disney princesses to sports or superheroes.

A preschool counselor (Octavia Spencer) grows close to Jake, referring to him as “gender expansive” after watching an episode of effeminate role-play in his class. She’s supportive of such behavior, but Alex isn’t so sure. Is this just a phase? Are these signs that Jake is transgender? How will this impact his future?

Although they’ve always preached progressiveness and unequivocal support for Jake’s blossoming gender identity, Alex and Greg must reconcile their preconceived notions in an ethically challenged and judgmental world.

Despite some broad exaggerations, the screenplay by Daniel Pearle — based on his semiautobiographical play — balances its comedic and dramatic elements as a shrewd satire of parental social circles, as well as a more serious examination of a dilemma between public and private schools to which many moviegoers will relate.

The well-acted film might draw thematic comparisons to the recent Wonder, except this one’s much more focused on the parents, for better and worse. We typically only see Jake in the background, or hear about his behavior secondhand, which is a deliberate choice perhaps designed to ease the pressure on a child actor.

Like its characters, the film seems to dance around its central issue a bit too delicately, and the ending is awkwardly abrupt. However, A Kid Like Jake deserves credit for exploring its family strife with depth and complexity, for avoiding clear-cut heroes and villains, and for sidestepping political agendas while still conveying a powerful lesson for children and adults alike.

Not rated, 92 minutes.