Alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss of different degrees, is an issue that forces those living with it to be in a constant state of awareness; having to find their own individual way to address it. This self-conscious struggle of those personally effected is the topic at bay in Foxy, a concern that was also hindering co-director/co-writer/star Trista Suke before making this thesis project with co-director/co-writer Ellis Poleyko.

With her instantly likeable electric presence, Suke plays Penny.  Art imitates life as Penny works to hide her alopecia, but finds a cathartic outlet through writing and filmmaking.  She often gets lost in her imagination as she deflects confrontations about her condition, which gives Foxy plenty of genres to flex within the film’s concise duration.

From its documentary segments to its sugary rom-com bits to its musical segments to literal messages being written on the wall, the smattering of styles gives Foxy its unique artistic individuality.  And while the results are extremely uneven, the range symbolizes the uncertainty and anxiety when publicly acknowledging a secret quality.  Foxy, with its heart on its sleeve, carries the message that there’s never really a perfect, encompassing explanation on how we should embrace our flaws – we just have to push ourselves to step outside our comfort zone.

It’s suggested to watch Foxy with an open mind, considering it fires out of the gate with directorial choices that are in-your-face but are also faithful to the film’s integrity.  However, I sincerely believe that Foxy, a sweet and soulful mishmash, can offer the help it sets out to provide.

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Foxy screens at Ottawa’s Mayfair Theatre on Sunday, October 28 at 4:00 pm – hosted by the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation. Purchase your tickets here!

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie