The film begins with a flashing of strobe lights which makes for an unsettling feeling. Written and directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme is an artistic portrait of mixed feelings. The film’s writing contains a heavy combination of disconnect and vindictiveness, and how both elements impact mental health issues related to identity. Feminism soars in Femme, and it does so with dignity and truth.  

Femme takes place in the United Kingdom. The film’s lead character is Jules (played by Nathan Stewart-Jarett). Jules embraces his feminine side and enjoys acting on stage in drag shows. He leads a happy life with his LGBT friends and routines. One night Jules he is attacked for how he identifies. His attacker is Preston (played by George Mackay). Preston likes to present himself as hip, cool, and charismatic. At the same time, Preston has a belittling attitude. After Preston’s episode of abusing Jules, Jules finds himself in despair andspends three months avoiding much contact with others. Eventually they cross paths again, and this time they build a close bond even though Jules has not gotten over Preston’s previous assault.

Preston and Jules meet sporadically and engage in activities together., some of which are fun and social, and others morecasual. Preston still has his temper, but Jules is able somehow to always keep calm. The writing in Femme puts their personalities to the test. Why is Jules hanging out with Preston? Why is Preston hanging out with Jules? Are they both closeted? Are they embarrassed? Does Jules feel something for Preston? Does Jules want to get back at Preston? Femme is a journey of two young individuals figuring out what they truly want. It also paints a portrait of the factors that play into their personalities. Femme is a realistic and bipolar LGBT thriller that has a heavy load to be carried.

The continuity in the storyline held my curiosity. The reasons that Jules is repeatedly captivated with Preston are intriguing. Given that Preston abused him, I wondered if Jules was simply seeking some form of attention. Both characters are prone to over thinking the situation. Jules over thinks about the kind of friend Preston truly is, and Preston over thinks in part due to his egotistical attitude. Deep down they are both just lonely and struggling with what their hearts want. This is why their choices continue to cause emotional turmoil.

This film is an artistically directed, multi-layered story about boundaries, jealousy, and disconnect. It presents a blurred portrait of how love, pain, and acceptance hold true consequences.  Femme leaves an aftermath of empathy and sorrow based on the dynamics between Jules and Preston. Tolerance also grows during the film about abuse. Will payback resolve Jule’s altered thinking? Preston may have a bigger heart than Jules thinks but does not know how act because he is lostlike Jules. Forgiveness and resolution are the hardest acts in Femme, just like in real life. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Femme.