WATCH: Sean Penn as a Gender-Bending Nazi Hunter

In a new film, Oscar-winner Sean Penn portrays a gender-fluid, has-been rock star on a quest to avenge his father's torture at the hands of Auschwitz Nazis.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

September 06 2012 6:18 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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In the trailer for his new film This Must Be the Place, Sean Penn channels the Cure's Robert Smith, with lipstick, an untamed mane of black hair, and a soft, gentle lilt to his speech. Cheyenne, the former rock star portrayed by Oscar-winner Penn in the film, might appear timid but is dedicated to his mission to find the Nazi who tortured his father at Auschwitz. What follows is the tale of the has-been rocker's journey across the American heartland to seek revenge or respite or maybe just a greater sense of purpose.

The film, which opens in theaters November 2, also stars Frances McDormand and Judd Hirsch.