Lilly Wachowski-Produced Trans Identity Film ‘Dolls,’ by Geena Rocero, Unveils Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

Geena Rocero is making her mark behind the camera. The four-time Emmy-nominated director’s scripted directorial debut, sci-fi short “Dolls,” has dropped its first trailer ahead of its world premiere at Oscar-qualifying festival Out on Film in Atlanta, where it will screen in the Out of This World section.

Variety is exclusively unveiling the trailer for the film, which boasts Lilly Wachowski, co-creator of “The Matrix,” as executive producer.

Featuring Rocero in the lead role with Yên Sen, Arewà Basit, Macy Rodman and Vas Eli, the film centers on a private investigator who infiltrates a trans women’s dating seminar. As mysterious threats emerge during the workshop, the protagonist finds solidarity within the group.

For Rocero, the director behind documentary series “Caretakers” and author of “Horse Barbie,” the project represents a deeply personal creative endeavor.

“‘Dolls’ is my attempt to birth the internal chatter that ruminates in my head,” Rocero said. “All those years admiring directors like Claire Denis, Lucrecia Martel and Park Chan-wook, I told myself to give it a shot, it’s the only way to find out.”

Wachowski added: “‘Dolls’ is a fever dream reflecting on assimilation and the investigation of trans identity. So proud to be part of this beautiful, weird, striking debut.”

The film features an original score by 2025 Pulitzer Prize for music winner Susie Ibarra, who collaborated closely with Rocero to create the sonic landscape. “Geena’s script and directing bring visuals, sound and music into a beautiful interplay that creates a unique narrative,” Ibarra said. “I am honored to collaborate on this unapologetic and much needed story of transgender women characters in film.”

“Dolls” is executive produced by Rocero’s Street Pageant Productions and Jon Mallow, with Sheena Suarez producing. Patrick Ryan Morris of Dedalus Moving Pictures handled cinematography and editing, while the creative team includes costume designer David Taveras, makeup artist Laurel Charleston, hair stylist William Scott Blair and choreographer Tyler Ashley.

The project received support through Pop Culture Collaborative and Allied Media Projects’ Becoming America project, with Rocero named as a 2024 Trans Futurist grantee.

Watch the trailer here: