Femme

Adapted from an award winning short film of the same name, this follows the path of Jules (Nathan Stewart Jarrett), who after an horrific homophobic attack is drawn into the world of Preston (George Mackay) one of his assailants for revenge, or maybe not. Preston and his circle inhabit a different lifestyle of criminality and underlying violence which imbues this film with almost unbearable tension and we fear for Jules all the time. We are surprised by the availability of every kind of gay porn to access or contribute to, which could also be used as a weapon to destroy someone's life. The dialogue is authentic and compelling throughout and holds our interest until the scary climax. All the actors are excellent especially the two main guys.

I sat watching this after a heavy meal in the evening and had been afraid I might have dropped off. Not a chance. The writing and direction, let alone the two main characters, kept the tension high all the time. An hour and forty minutes seemed to speed by.

I'd been worried that I might not get into the film as the world of drag and effeminacy is not mine. However the brilliance of the acting swept all such doubts aside as Jules and Preston developed their affair.

This isn't a simple revenge film. There's more to it than that and the film starts to delve into real feelings that the two lovers develop for each other.

The ending is bleak but leaves enough scope for hope. I recommend this film.

I'd heard an interview with both George Mackay and Nathan Stuart-Jarrett about their experiences on set and during the filming of Femme, and was intrigued. Previously, Mackay has played pretty easy to like, or ar least average/'ordinary' character. He comes across as a,fairly gentle soul.

His performance in Femme is testament to his acting talent. He embodies a violent, intimidating man, who is almost unrecognisable from the actor as I'd had previously perceived him. When an actor can truly transform in the way he does, it is incredible to watch.

The film focuses on two main characters, one openly queer and immersed in the sphere of free expression of identity and gender and sexuality. The other, is caught up in a very toxic, aggressive, and closed minded circle, who are hostile to any 'non-traditional'/-patriarchal gender and sexual stereotypes. When these two characters collide, we witness devastating, moving and captivating consequences. Each is thrown into the other's completely foreign 'world', and the film explores how they navigate this- the impact it has upon their perceptions and relationships with themselves and those around them.

Nathan Stuart-Jarrett is lesser known than Mackay, but totally matches his skills at portraying a hugely complex character who is respond to life changing experiences. It is believable, tragic, beautiful, crushing and so so worthy of attention and praise.

This film is an uncomfortable watch but quite brilliant for it. An exceptionally well acted study in identity and the effects of of revenge.

The difficult subjects are not avoided and the pace and then the sudden switch of roles leaves us with no doubt about the toxicity that can surround role play and identity when it's just projection. Excellent piece of film work for all concerned.

The acting is superb. I don't recognise anybody from any other work safe for a very brief cameo by Nima Teleghani, who is an actor I have seen on stage (and in Heartstopper.)

I also saw the lead, George Mackay interviewed about the role and the film maker's intentions and he was absolutely invested in the theme and his performance. Excellent acting from the other lead, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Both bound for brilliant bright futures.

In a nutshutt, Femme is a story about the protagonist's power being stolen and their realization that the only way to get it back is to TAKE IT BACK. And the plan to do so is a story told in the narrative that is enticing, tension building and slow burn perfection.

Following an attack, Jules goes from a confident extrovert to a scared introvert. Months go by and all Jules can do is play street fighter on the couch (albeit well). Jules begrudgingly leaves their flat to go to a bath house. In doing so, a chance encounter with the attacker presents itself. Jules is curious.

Enter Preston... This is a guy who has bad tattoos and a bad attitude. But that doesn't stop Jules from being curious and that curiosity leads to a creative plan of revenge. Does Jules get their power back? You will need to watch this one to find out.

George Mackay and Nathan Stewart both execute phenomenal performances. If you're a fan on Nathan Stewart in this movie, see also the series Soulmates (Black Mirror style genre). I haven't come across George Mackay before, but equally impressed.