A young woman escapes a violent home and lands in New York City, where she finds refuge, danger, and ultimately herself, renamed Daisy, through a community of trans and queer women surviving the streets on their own terms.

GENRE: Drama | Coming-of-Age | Social Realism
STATUS: Completed
DIRECTOR: Nia Rhodes
RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2025 (For Awards Consideration)
RUN TIME: 108 minutes
LANGUAGE: English
COUNTRY: USA

synopsis

Kiara, known to most as Kiki, is just 23 when she leaves behind a fractured home marked by abuse and neglect. Trading small-town pain for the vast unknown of New York City, she quickly learns the city is not built to catch those who fall. When a stranger offers her a place to crash, Kiki accepts—but that moment of relief turns threatening, sending her back out into the cold with nowhere to go.

She stumbles upon The Inn, a historic safe space for trans and queer people, and meets a group of women who don’t coddle or judge—they simply survive. These women give her a new name: Daisy. More than a nickname, it becomes a symbol of the transformation ahead.

As Daisy learns to navigate The Stroll—a place where beauty, toughness, and danger collide—she confronts the price of survival, the allure of becoming someone new, and the painful truth that not everyone makes it out whole. Daisy is a raw and tender portrait of reinvention, belonging, and the fragile beauty of finding yourself among strangers.

supporting characters

Mariposa

Role: House mother of The Inn
 Background: A former ballroom legend, now a quiet pillar in the queer community. Known for her sharp tongue, precise eyeliner, and unshakable calm.
Impact on Daisy: She’s the first to call Kiara “Daisy.” Doesn’t offer comfort—offers clarity. A maternal figure, but not a coddler. She holds the rules of survival and expects Daisy to adapt.

Lucky

Role: Street-savvy trans woman who takes Daisy under her wing
Background: Quick-witted, loud, messy, magnetic. She’s been on The Stroll the longest of the girls still standing. Protective but chaotic. A mix of big sister and bad influence.
Impact on Daisy: Teaches her how to walk in heels, how to spot danger, how to bluff your way into safety. She introduces Daisy to the realities of street work—both the power and the pain.

Tyrell

Role: A city boy Daisy meets briefly while out one night
Background: Flirtatious, charming, and clearly used to getting what he wants. Their interaction is brief but pivotal.
Impact on Daisy: Reminds her of the danger in desire, and how quickly a soft smile can become a threat. It shakes her out of fantasy.

Mika

Role: New arrival to The Inn halfway through the film

Background: Sweet-faced and soft-spoken, but harboring deep trauma. A mirror to Daisy’s early self.

Impact on Daisy: Forces Daisy to step into a role of mentorship, reflecting how far she’s come. Daisy sees herself in Mika; lost, afraid, unsure of her name.

nominations & wins

Given Ara Myembi's powerful breakout performance in Daisy, and the film's strong reception during awards season, here are the prestigious awards she won:

  • Golden Globe Award – Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama)

  • Critics' Choice Award – Best Actress

  • Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

  • Film Independent Spirit Award – Best Female Lead

Additionally, Daisy earned recognition as well:

  • Film Independent Spirit Award – Best Feature

  • Film Independent Spirit Award – Best Director

  • Critics' Choice Award – Best Original Screenplay

studio involvement

As Vice President of Film Development at the prestigious Lockwood Pictures, Julian Toussaint-Lewis has been instrumental in bringing bold, visionary films to the screen. Under Julian’s guidance, Lockwood recently produced Daisy, a powerful drama featuring breakout actress Ara Myembi in her acclaimed role as Kiara ("Kiki").

The film's gritty portrayal of a young woman finding community, safety, and self-discovery amidst the streets of New York City exemplifies Julian's commitment to highlighting authentic, compelling stories. Daisy represents a deliberate effort by Julian and Lockwood Pictures to champion fresh, diverse talent and narratives that challenge and expand Hollywood norms, continuing the proud, progressive legacy of the Toussaint-Lewis dynasty.

Julian’s decision to produce Daisy not only spotlights Ara Myembi’s incredible talent but also embodies the next chapter of the family's storied cinematic history—one that embraces cultural relevance, powerful storytelling, and a deeper commitment to diversity in contemporary cinema.

Julian chose Nia Rhodes to direct Daisy because he recognized in her an unparalleled commitment to authentic storytelling and an uncompromising dedication to truth in cinema. Julian, deeply influenced by his family's complex legacy and his desire to broaden the industry's scope, sought out directors whose lived experiences brought depth, nuance, and empathy to their work.

Press

“Daisy is the kind of film that leaves you quiet. Devastatingly human. A breakout debut from Nia Rhodes.”

— Indie Reel

“A love letter to the women society refuses to see. Heart-wrenching, honest, and unforgettable.”

— The Frame

“This film doesn’t shout—it whispers truths so raw they echo. The best kind of coming-of-age story: messy, real, and necessary.”

— Culture Current

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS

“I wasn’t ready for how much Daisy would wreck me. That final shot? Haunting. #DaisyFilm”
“Daisy feels like a poem disguised as a movie. Gritty and gentle in all the right ways. @niarhodesfilm you did that.”
“The Stroll. The Inn. The name. Everything about this film is a mirror for the invisible. Go see #DaisyFilm.”