Zerophilia 2006

As Luke (Taylor Handley) embarks on a journey to understand his newfound sexuality, he faces an unexpected challenge - a baffling transformation that begins to alter his physical form, morphing parts of his body into those typically associated with femininity. This unpredictable change throws Luke’s life into disarray as he struggles to comprehend this bizarre reality.

With this peculiar alteration, Luke’s everyday experiences become increasingly complex. A pivotal meeting with mechanic Max (Kyle Schmid) and his sister Michelle (Rebecca Mozo), a captivating newcomer at school who captures Luke’s attention, triggers a series of events that will test the foundations of their newly blossomed relationship.

Michelle’s baggage from a betrayal at the hands of an ex-boyfriend has made her reticent about commitment, complicating Luke’s efforts to reveal his true self to her. While navigating the intricate dance of their budding romance, Luke finds himself conflicted between the urge to be open with Michelle and the dread of being rejected or mocked.

In the midst of this turmoil, Luke’s loyal best friend Keenan (Dustin Seavey) seeks help from Dr. Sydney Catchadourian (Gina Bellman), a specialist in rare genetic disorders. Dr. Catchadourian informs them that Luke is suffering from “zerophilia”, a unique condition triggered by an extra “Z-chromosome” that activated after his initial sexual experience.

In a bid to manage his unsettling transformations, Dr. Catchadourian suggests that Luke engage in self-intimacy to encourage a complete transition into his female persona. As the now-female Luke (Luca, portrayed by Marieh Delfino), she faces the daunting challenge of finding the necessary arousal to revert to her original male state.

Interestingly, Max finds himself enchanted by Luca, leading to an internal conflict as he grapples with his feelings for her. The delicate balance between deception and truth escalates as Luke is compelled to confront the intricacies of his condition directly.

The tension between Keenan and Janine regarding Luke’s gender identity ignites, prompting Dr. Catchadourian, who shares the same condition, to intervene with a transformative proposal. She reveals that Luke can align with his zerophiliac nature to escape his state of flux once and for all. Engaging in a physical relationship with someone who understands his condition could result in stabilizing his identity, an experience Dr. Catchadourian reminisces about to escape the erratic transformations that plagued him.

In a significant revelation during a visit, Michelle probes Luke about his feelings towards Max. Luke’s discontent with Max incites anger in Michelle, who insists he must learn to appreciate Max if he truly wants to engage with her meaningfully. The plot thickens as it becomes known that Michelle is also a zerophiliac, and that Max serves not as her brother but as an embodiment of her masculine side. This twist presents a complex interplay of identities and relationships, suggesting Michelle’s prior relationship struggles stemmed from her ex-boyfriend’s aversion to her dual identity.

As Luke, while still mired in confusion about his disputes with Michelle, visits Max in his female form, their interaction takes an unexpected turn. Initially received warmly, an overwhelming wave of emotion causes Luca to retreat, leaving Luke perplexed and heartbroken. Keenan’s awareness of the burgeoning rift only adds to Luke’s distress.

Just when Luke feels ready to confront his identity, he finds himself succumbing to his desires again, approaching Dr. Catchadourian, drawn in by her dubious promises concerning the resolution of his gender shifts. Yet, he soon realizes that the doctor has been deceiving him - the solution of becoming an adulmorphic zerophiliac demands mutual attraction, leaving Luke trapped in Luca’s body. Dr. Catchadourian’s disappearance adds to the betrayal, fully abandoning any sense of responsibility.

Facing this tumultuous aftermath, an apologetic Keenan partners with Luca to hold the doctor accountable. Their journey reveals Luca’s increasing uncertainty regarding her gender identity, complicating her emotional state further, especially as the prospect of rejection by Michelle looms.

As their pursuit leads them to confront Dr. Catchadourian, Luca uncovers his disingenuous motivations. He candidly admits his lack of attraction to women, rendering him incapable of assisting her and leaving her adrift yet again.

As the story progresses, the truth of Luca’s interactions is brought to light, prompting Michelle’s outrage. She lays bare her discovery of Luca’s identity and demands clarity regarding her feelings towards both her and Max. Desperate to vindicate herself, Luca explains that her efforts to control her transformations stemmed from a desire for deeper connection with Michelle, not betrayal. This heartfelt admission, however, only fuels Michelle’s anger, leading to a painful unraveling of their connection.

Feeling isolated, Luca confides in Keenan and Janine about her grappling identity, tormented by not discerning which gender she truly identifies with - both Max and Michelle beckoning her with contrasting appeals.

Days later, Luca seeks reconciliation with Max, determined to apologize for previous misunderstandings and to extend her best wishes for Michelle’s happiness. In a moment of poignant realization, she admits that her attempts to suppress her zerophiliac inclinations were misguided and offers insight into her feelings. Max responds with empathy, illuminating Luca’s true feelings and rekindling their connection, culminating in a night of intimacy that celebrates exploration and growth through gender fluidity.

The ensuing morning finds Michelle waking beside Luke, still wracked with the fear of losing him and remaining in her indecisive state. Luke tries to ease her anxiety with a joking proposal of a “gender prenup” while reaffirming his commitment to her, assisting her in embracing her transformation into Max for her work obligations.