Manscaping

In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, and grooming products galore, what does it mean to be a man? This intimate documentary portrait focuses on three queer men who are reimagining the answer to that question while expanding the boundaries of the traditional barbershop. Devan Shimoyama is a Black American artist who draws upon Afrofuturism and drag to envision the Black barbershop as a more inclusive space. Jessie Anderson, a young transgender Canadian, runs a barbershop that caters to all: trans, gender nonconforming, and queer customers who don’t want to go “back into the closet” to get a haircut. Then there’s Richard Savvy, Australia’s “naked barber,” a fetish barber/porn actor and former “Sydney Mr. Leather” who invites his customers to leave their shame (and their clothes) at the door, adding the transformative power of kink to their cut. Their stories, artistry, and activism make for an informative, sexy as Hell, and delightfully entertaining film.