ENIGMA is a documentary film that tells the stories of Amanda Lear and April Ashley, two legends who contested their identities as women in the court of public opinion. Directed by Zackary Drucker, the film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and on HBO and MAX on June 24, 2025.
Debuting as part of Sundance’s Premieres section, “Zackary Drucker’s beautifully balanced approach illuminates the juxtaposition of the dovetailing stories of two inversely complex titans of trans feminine history… April Ashley, who was immortalized as a trailblazer by embracing her transgender history; and Amanda Lear, who has consciously denied and obfuscated her history for decades. Their divergent paths reveal disparate but intertwined legacies."
In a five-star review, OUT critic Mey Rude writes, “Normally, an interviewer asking Lear about her history, gender, and sex is a painful experience that makes you cringe. When Drucker is asking, however, those same questions come across as lovely and respectful, like reaching across the aisle to sincerely (and hopefully) make a connection. In a world where cis people regularly act like they are the ultimate authorities on trans issues, this feels like a breath of fresh air.” In a separate article, Rude says, “I believe the documentary should be mandatory viewing for every trans person under 35. Enigma shows that growing old as a trans person isn't just possible; if you surround yourself with other trans people — it can be one of the most beautiful things in the world.”
In a STREAM IT review for Decider, critic John Serba says, “Enigma is an early contender for 2025’s best documentary.”
Enigma is produced by Story Syndicate in association with Five All in the Fifth and Pacific Films. It is produced by Madison Passarelli, Five All in the Fifth’s Douglas Banker and Alex Garinger, Noah Levy, Donovan Lovell, and Stephen B. Strout. It is executive produced by Drucker, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, Kate Barry, Addison Mehr, Edward Sanders, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen. It is edited by Claire Didier, and composed by Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans, and James Newberry.