Watch My Prairie Home

My Prairie Home is a documentary about the life of Rae Spoon, an indie folk singer from western Canada who identifies as queer and trans. The film is directed by Chelsea McMullan and was released in 2013. The movie begins with a scene of Rae performing on stage in a small town. The audience is mostly older people who don't seem to understand or appreciate Rae's music. Rae is visibly uncomfortable and anxious, and it's clear that performing isn't always easy for them.

Throughout the film, we get glimpses into Rae's childhood and upbringing on the prairies of Canada. They grew up in a devoutly evangelical household and were homeschooled along with their siblings. Rae's mother, who is interviewed in the film, talks about how she tried to shelter her children from the outside world and keep them safe from sin.

Despite this sheltered upbringing, Rae always had an interest in music. They began playing guitar as a teenager and eventually started performing at local coffee shops and open mic nights. As their music career began to take off, Rae started to feel a disconnect between the conservative world they grew up in and the liberal, accepting world of indie music.

The film also touches on Rae's experience as a trans person in the music industry. They talk about how difficult it can be to navigate a world where people don't always understand or accept your identity. Rae has been open about their experiences with hormone therapy and surgeries, and the film does a good job of showing the complexities of being trans in a public-facing career.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is when Rae returns to the prairies to visit their family. They take the road trip alone, and the film captures some beautiful shots of the Canadian wilderness. When Rae arrives at their childhood home, it's clear that there is tension between them and their family. Rae's mother is still very religious and struggles to understand their child's identity. Rae's siblings are more understanding, but there is still an awkwardness between them.

The film is structured around Rae's music, and there are several scenes of them performing both on stage and in the studio. Rae's music is a blend of folk, country, and indie rock, and their lyrics often touch on themes of identity, love, and loss. The music is beautiful and haunting, and it's clear that Rae puts a lot of themselves into their art.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Rae performs a cover of the song "Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift. The cover is hauntingly beautiful, and it's clear that Rae is putting their own spin on the song's lyrics. The scene underscores the idea that art is a way for people to express themselves and find their own voice, even when they feel like they don't fit in.

Overall, My Prairie Home is a touching and thought-provoking film about one person's journey to find their place in the world. Rae Spoon's story is unique, but it touches on universal themes of identity, family, and belonging. The film is beautifully shot and features a fantastic soundtrack of Rae's music. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in indie music or LGBTQ+ issues.