The Matrix, originally released in 1999, is undoubtedly one of the most influential films of all time, both a classic science fiction story about big ideas, and pioneering technical achievement that revolutionized action film-making and launched a still-beloved franchise. It is also a story about moving beyond what you thought possible and becoming your true self, which has led many to believe that the film is, at its core, a story about being transgender, and the struggles involved in transitioning.
Since the release of the film, the creators, Lana and Lilly Wachowski, have come out as trans themselves, which has been a strong point in favor of this interpretation. Recently, the Netflix Film Club YouTube channel released a video featuring Lilly Wachowski as she reflected on those interpretations.
In the interview Lilly Wachowski expresses happiness over how the film has helped others come to terms with their own identity: "They come up to me and say 'these movies saved my life....' I'm grateful that I can be there, throwing them a rope to help them on their journey." She also discusses how transformation in science fiction can present impassible barriers being overcome, and how that speaks to the transgender community.
When asked what she thinks of the community latching onto the idea of a trans narrative in The Matrix, Lilly explains that she is glad the idea is out there, but at the time, the corporate world wasn't ready to accept a story that was openly tackling transgender issues. It was more difficult for her to articulate exactly how much of the story was informed by her identity at the time: "Me and Lana, we were existing in a space where the words didn't exist.... its why I gravitated to science fiction and fantasy.... I think in our trans-ness, and queer-ness, we were trying to incorporate as many things as possible.
During the interview, she also discusses the process of letting your art go, and allowing it to take on new life within the public discourse: "I like... that we as human beings engage in art in a non-linear way, we can always talk about something... in new ways, in new light." The ability to rediscover art in new ways and new interpretations is framed positively, and it allows communities to make deeper connections to a creator's art. For those interested in watching The Matrix with this new context in mind, or just to catch some new details, the entire trilogy is currently available to stream on Netflix, or on various VOD services.
Source: Netflix Film Club/Youtube