Drawing inspiration from her own experience as a trans woman, Dylan Wardwell (who dons many hats as a filmmaker, actor, and model) collaborated with sibling Spencer Wardwell to write and star in the short film “Sweet Talkin’ Guy.” The dating comedy, which will premiere at Sundance 2025 is a wry and straightforward insight into the awkward, ‘well-meaning,’ and tone deaf reactions from cisgender, straight men towards a trans woman, particularly while on a date. These dates usually end with the same one dimensional questions that elicits an eye roll from our silent and patient trans protagonist (played by Dylan herself) who’s obviously seen and heard it all, and is obviously very tired of it.
At The Movie Buff, we had the chance to talk to Wardwell about her upcoming film. In this conversation, Dylan divulges more on her professional relationship with her brother who doubled as Co-director, and offers advice on how the film industry can shape up its on-screen representation of the trans community. (Note: this interview has been edited for clarity).
Vidal D’Costa: Congratulations on making the cut at Sundance! Could you introduce yourself to our readers, and especially take us through your journey as a trans creative in the industry?
Dylan Wardwell: Hi! I’m Dylan and I actually fell into film making after working many years in art & fashion. I’ve wanted to collaborate with my brother (and bestie) Spencer Wardwell for forever and this is our first collaboration together.
D’Costa: Usually siblings are notorious for hardly ever agreeing on anything, and here you’ve collaborated on an entire short film with your brother Spencer Wardwell! How is your working relationship with him, and were there any clashes between your individual creative processes on set, or was it smooth sailing throughout?
I’d love to see a shift away from identity politics, so we can start thinking of ‘trans characters’ not as ‘trans characters’ but simply ‘characters.’
Wardwell: In our personal relationship we can butt heads but luckily this was smooth sailing from start to finish. We have very similar tastes and found collaborating such an easy process. It was like working as one unit but with four eyes.
D’Costa: Speaking of siblings, the Wachowski sisters are already an established name in Hollywood mainstream, but there are countless trans voices in the film industry waiting in the wings or still working towards their big break. Do you have any personal favorite trans filmmakers or underrated creatives whose works you’d recommend or who inspire your own work/whom you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Wardwell: There are a lot of filmmakers I adore and respect for various reasons. I try to prioritize the quality of a film above a creator’s identity. I love big directors like Pedro Almodóvar, Bong Joon-ho, John Water, and more indie directors like Angelis Field and Zackary Drucker.
D’Costa: In recent years, movies like “Emilia Pérez” and “Joyland” (featuring trans actors or presenting diverse trans stories to the audience) were conversation starters, met with critical acclaim as well as polarized reactions alike. What are your thoughts on trans representation in cinema/the industry as a whole? What are some changes you’d love to see in terms of how trans stories, characters and narratives are presented on the big screen?
Wardwell: I’d love to see a shift away from identity politics, so we can start thinking of “trans characters” not as “trans characters,” but simply “characters.” Hopefully, then, that would usher in an era where these characters will be less two-dimensional, tokenizing roles and instead will be able to read as complex and compelling as any other roles.
D’Costa: Lastly, what is a piece of advice you’d offer to budding filmmakers and artists?
Wardwell: I’m the last person to ask advice from if I’m being honest. I guess radiate joy? Charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, one might say.
*Sweet Talkin’ Guy will screen at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Short Film Program 4 , on January 25 at 9pm MST. Follow The Movie Buff for coverage.
