Mi vacío y yo (My Emptiness and I) is a 2022 Spanish drama film directed by Adrián Silvestre. The film is a profound and introspective journey about the life of a transgender woman searching for love, identity, and self-worth in contemporary Barcelona. With a blend of fiction and reality, Mi vacío y yo stands out as an honest and raw portrait of the transgender experience in modern society.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Raphi (played by Raphaëlle Pérez), a young French woman living in Spain who works in an office during the day and writes romantic poetry at night. Raphi is transgender and is in the early stages of her gender transition, dealing with physical, emotional, and social changes. As she navigates relationships, casual sex, therapy, and the medical system, she seeks not only affirmation from others, but also inner peace and authenticity.
The film chronicles her struggles with emotional turmoil, societal expectations of intimacy, and her growing understanding of femininity and love. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the film reads like a diary, combining real-life interviews, poetic narration, and fictionalized moments from Raphi’s life.
Theme
Mi vacío y yo touches on powerful themes like gender identity, emotional isolation, body dysmorphia, and the desire to be seen and loved for who you are. The film offers a rare and delicate look at the transgender experience — not about trauma or spectacle, but about the quiet, everyday moments that shape a person’s journey.
The film also explores the tension between conventional norms and personal truths, illustrating how the search for love and identity is both universal and uniquely complex for transgender people.
Style and Direction
Director Adrián Silvestre’s approach is simple yet deeply human. The film blends realism and fiction, creating a hybrid format that blurs the line between performance and reality. Raphaëlle Pérez, playing a semi-fictionalized version of herself, gives a surprisingly authentic and adventurous performance.
The tone is light and intimate, often using natural light and close-ups to convey Raphi’s inner world. Poetic voiceover moments give the film a lyrical quality, adding emotional depth without being overly dramatic.
Reception
Mi vacío y yo has received widespread critical acclaim at film festivals, including Rotterdam and Málaga. Critics have praised the film for its authenticity, tenderness, and innovative storytelling. Raphaëlle Pérez’s performance has been particularly noted for its emotional sincerity and quiet strength.
The film has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters for its authentic representation and refusal to conform to stereotypes or simplify the complexities of transgender identity.
Conclusion
Mi vacío y yo is a courageous and poetic exploration of identity, gender, and emotional vulnerability. It is a tender yet unflinching portrayal of a woman learning to accept herself in a world that does not always understand her. Quietly powerful and humanely beautiful, this is a landmark film in contemporary queer cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in stories of real transformation.
