Anything’s Possible Review: A Sweet Romance That Almost Satisfies

Billy Porter makes his directorial debut with Anything’s Possible, a Prime Video original movie. Porter is best known for his role in the FX Emmy-winning series Pose.

Written by Ximena Garcia Lecuona, Anything’s Possible tells another important story set within the LGBTQ community. Both Anything’s Possible and Pose offer a compassionate and vibrant look at living, loving, and thriving as a transwoman.

But Anything’s Possible is a coming-of-age story with a comedic lean.

They may cross paths on topics, such as prejudice and fear, but are very different tonally, structurally, and in the writing choices.

Anything’s Possible finds its strength when not only exploring Kelsa’s journey as a young transwoman, but also in Khal’s journey as a young Muslim man with strict parents. Both Kelsa and Khal are the heart of this film. Eva Reign and Abubakr Ali are equally as charming as co-leads in this movie.

Because of the charisma of the actors, viewers are drawn to Kelsa and Khal’s story, both together and apart. It’s easy to sympathize with Khal’s inability to go against his family and friends’ wishes. It’s also easy to understand Kelsa’s fear of becoming Kelsa, the transgirl, not just Kelsa.

Romantic films involving at least one transgender character are rare. That’s one reason why Anything’s Possible is a needed film, even if it’s not perfect.

The romance between Kelsa and Khal isn’t the only thing that makes this teen romantic movie unique. Another bold move that the film makes is showcasing an after-high school path that doesn’t involve a 4-year college.

Many high school movies glamorize the idea of going off to college to find oneself. It’s the ultimate goal and can make or break a character’s future.

Anything’s Possible gives viewers (some of whom may be high school students) an alternative option about the future. Community college isn’t something that’s shamed but it’s embraced.

It may seem like a minor plot point in the film, but it’s revolutionary for a high school movie to showcase this type of plan for the future.

It’s also important that the film shows prejudice against Kelsa, especially from people who are expected to be more supportive and understanding. This feels realistic because transwomen still have to fight every day to be accepted, loved, and treated with decency.

Kelsa and Khal’s stories work as separate tales of growing up, but together, their story becomes even more fascinating.

Anything’s Possible has perfected the romantic comedy elements of this movie. Kelsa and Khal are extremely sweet together. Their interactions are awkward at times, but that makes them feel even more like a real teen couple.

Recent high school movies, such as Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between, have taken the route of ending a teen romance before college starts.

There are two ways to look at this writing choice.

The first is to view it as realistic. Mature teenagers may realize that it’s unlikely that they’re going to make their relationship work while living apart. It also shows that romance doesn’t have to last to be a profound experience.

Then the second way to view these movies’ choices is that they kill the mojo of hopeless romantics. Some viewers may want to see Khal and Kelsa stay together and just let things come as they may.

Personally, I’m okay with the ending choice because it helps showcase their journey as a couple and as individuals. Their relationship isn’t a forever one but it’s still vital to their stories.

As much as there is to like and admire about Anything’s Possible, it does have some major flaws. Most of them are due to the unbelievable nature of some of the plotlines.

It’s hard to enjoy seeing friendships break up over a romance. It’s worse to see the friends become pretty terrible because of it. Em redeems herself a bit at the end of the film.

However, for most of it, she’s completely unhinged — and all because a boy doesn’t like her.

Final Thoughts:

• Otis and Khal’s friendship ending may be more due to them growing apart and into different people, but it’s also strange that they completely destroy any chance of reconciliation.
• Technology is an important part of the teen experience in 2022, but it doesn’t need to be so prevalent in modern films. It feels like Anything’s Possible goes a little overboard with the incorporation of social media into the film and plot.
• Along those same lines, I’m not sure how much I believe that a teen boy, even this one, would be on Reddit offering such kindhearted advice. 

Anything’s Possible is a lighthearted teen romantic comedy with a message: it’s okay to be yourself. Every element may not work, but it’s nice to see films that stray from convention.

What did you think of Anything’s Possible? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Anything’s Possible is available to stream on Prime Video. 

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