Tag Archives: LGBT

Film reviews

Femme Review

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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.

Film reviews

Of an Age Review

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Feelings of love and connection can be realized at first sight. Of an Age is a film of acceptance that examines the stressors caused by feelings of attraction. The film’s setup of two men falling for each other raises many questions. Although the bond between the two men is strong, the reality is they may be viewed differently due to the family backgrounds they come from.

Of an Age takes place in 1999 in Australia. Kol (played by Elias Anton) is a boy from Serbia and is a ballroom dancer. He starts to fall for Adam (played by Thom Green), the brother of one of Kol’s friends. As they go on a car ride together, they realize they are emotionally connected and captivate each other. Kol and Adam fall in love, but they question how life would be if they share with the world that they are in love with each other. The film jumps to 2010, and many things have changed between the two lovers. Kol is struggling and Adam is doing alright. But should they accept the reality of keeping their relationship a secret?

The bond between Kol and Adam is where the emotions lie in Of an Age. Adam can accept his love for Kol being kept a secret, but Kol cannot. Adam finds himself more accomplished career-wise, and Kol is facing hardships with his career. Of an Agemakes it clear that one can handle responsibility in life more cautiously, where another is more likely to hit plateaus. The film paints a picture of what the considerations are for the couple moving forward. For Kol, however, getting on a positive track is harder than it is for Adam.

As the emotional questioning of the ties between Kol and Adam tends to linger, there are sad moments that focus on Adam’s life. Adam does not get the support he deserves for being honest about his sexuality with his family. As I mentioned above, the stressors caused by feelings of attraction cause major anxiety for Adam, but also the audience. Kol expresses his emotions, but Adam hides his and never opens up as much. With all the emotional setbacks for Kol, there is an important message to remember from Of an Age. It is, in fact, a reminder to people that they matter. Adam can do this better than Kol. Of an Ageportrays the struggle for Kol to learn to love himself.

The matter of Kol and Adam accepting themselves is a two-way street in Of an Age. Adam is more accomplished, and Kol has many different problems in his life. Their struggles, however, do not diminish their love for each other. The power of love and friendship in Of an Age is displayed in a poetic fashion. The film makes clear that there is light for the two. The light may not be what either of them want, but, both Kol and Adam will be alright.

I believe everyone should see Of an Age. This is a film where acceptance and love took my cinematic journey in a new direction. It is authentic in its approach towards how hard love can be. It also is a film that has an artistic narrative which proves that those in love can find what is right. Truly, it is a movie where I felt hopeful that Kol and Adam would find a way to make their situation right. Four stars for Of An Age.