“Fitting In,” a Canadian traumedy written and directed by Molly McGlynn, delves into the life of Lindy (Maddie Ziegler), a typical 16-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down after a routine check-up reveals she has Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, a condition affecting her reproductive organs.
Lindy’s journey through the maze of female adolescence takes a sharp turn as she grapples with the stark reality of her diagnosis: no uterus and an underdeveloped vagina. Ziegler’s portrayal of Lindy’s turmoil is both sensitive and humorous, capturing the complexities of her identity crisis with grace.
The film tackles familiar themes of womanhood and self-discovery but adds a unique twist with Lindy’s atypical biological condition. Scenes depicting Lindy’s discomfort during medical examinations and her struggle to navigate her changing understanding of womanhood are particularly poignant.
However, “Fitting In” occasionally stumbles in its storytelling, resorting to clichés and predictable plotlines. The exploration of Lindy’s sexuality feels forced, with her romantic relationship with a gender non-conforming friend coming across as contrived rather than organic.
Despite its flaws, the film succeeds in sparking conversations about female reproductive health and the challenges faced by individuals with MRKH Syndrome. While it may not elicit uproarious laughter or profound emotional responses, Ziegler’s performance leaves a lasting impression, anchoring the film with her poignant portrayal of Lindy’s journey.