What’s the largest employer of transgender people in America? The U.S. military which currently has on its payroll 15,500 members of the trans community. The military identifies Lt. El Cook as female to which he replies, “I am taking steps to make my biological, physical body reflect my gender.” Cook is one of four soldiers, backed by interviews with supportive family members, that forms the basis of Gabe Silverman and Fiona Dawson’s SXSW Audience Award-winning documentary. An initial meeting at the Pentagon leaves the quartet optimistic that the military’s trans-ban will be lifted. After all, anyone willing to put their lives on the line in defense of our country should be allowed to use whatever damn pissoir they please. With “Individual 1” currently riding herd don’t expect a happy ending. One technical hiccup: like the laugh track informing viewers when’s the proper time to titter, the anxiety-wringing “pocket change dropping on piano wire” score plays similar havoc on one’s emotions. (2018) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.