Dans la mêlée

In-depth narrative features about lesser-known segments of the LGBTQ+ community don't exactly come along every day, so it's indeed heartening when one about life in one of them - specifically the gay male rugby kinship - makes an appearance in the movie market (even if primarily only at film festivals). What's less satisfying, however, is when such a release doesn't quite live up to its potential, as is the case with writer-director Matt Carter's second offering. In following the clandestine love affair of two London ruggers who attempt to conceal their secret romance from their partners and teammates, the film explores its share of ethical matters, as well as the hard choices involved in making decisions about when it's time to hold on to or to let go of existing relationships (especially when they appear to have run their course). However, in telling this story, the film drones on far too long and seriously needs to dial back some of its melodramatic soap opera tropes. It also could stand to lose some of its heavy-handed judgmentalism about open gay male relationships, arrangements that are fairly common (and, in many cases, reasonably healthy) in the LGBTQ+ community. To its credit, though, this production features an array of fine performances (particularly among its cast of colorful supporting characters), as well as excellent cinematography of the rough-and-tumble rugby matches. Sensitive viewers, though, should beware of some sexually explicit content in deciding whether to screen this offering. But then, given the picture's unfortunate shortcomings, viewers in general might want to consider that decision carefully as well. In my view, I'd wait until it becomes available for streaming - and an occasion when you've got time to spare.

I was very lucky to be at the second public screening of IN FROM THE SIDE at the BFI Flare Film Festival at BFI Southbank in London on Saturday. March 26th 2022. The world premiere was the night before.

I was blown away by this film. At first it seems like the film is about two gay men who have an affair, but there is so much more going on in this highly engaging film.

The film grabs your attention from the start and holds it throughout what is actually rather a long film, but it didn't feel a single moment was wasted. I found I was totally engaged with the story and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

The rugby scenes are so well filmed that you actually feel you are on the pitch, right in the thick of the action. You can feel every thump and the mud!

Having spent about a year as a beginner to rugby, training with an inclusive rugby team in London, the Kings Cross Steelers, I can vouch that all the scenes centred around the workings of the club and the scenes in the clubhouse after the matches, rang absolutely true.

The script is superb and there are some really funny lines in the film that are very well delivered by the very talented actors. The film also took me by surprise and got me choked up with emotion at many points, in the second half of the film. I almost burst into tears at a couple of scenes towards the end. I won't say which ones, you'll have to experience it for yourself!

The film also has many great moments of humour. The packed house at the screening were roaring with laughter at many points, which is a joy to experience at the cinema. Something you really miss out on, when watching a film at home.

The film was shown on a really big screen and this made the whole experience very immersive.

The film ends with a really funny scene which I won't spoil, but leaves the audience with a big smile on their face.

I was absolutely bowled over when the end credits started and there was some superb animation, which I really wasn't expecting. As the credits rolled, I could see that the film's director Matt Carter not only co-wrote the script, but was also the cinematographer and composed the music and sang the superb end theme song! He also did the animation sequence too and the special effects and probably lots of other jobs. What a hugely talented man. I predict a great future for him!

The audience response was rapturous, and I am not exaggerating. There was a whole lot of love for the film coming from the audience.

The whole cast and crew did a superb job. I've never seen a film like this before, where being a gay man was so well explored and from such a unique perspective.

I think this film will appeal to a very wide audience and may also show people that gay men come in all shapes and sizes and can't be easily fitted into standard stereotypes. We are just as diverse as everyone else and just trying to live life as best we can.

It's a really fun film. Please look out for it and enjoy!

Best wishes to everyone involved in the film.

In a south London gay rugby club, the team has managed to reach respectability, and the owner persuaded to form a developmental "B" team. Mark, a star on the B team, meets Warren from the A team, who is on injury rehab. Warren seduces Mark, and they have a continuing affair, despite the fact that both have boyfriends, and a continuing relationship is breaking the rules of open relationship.

While Mark's rich boyfriend is often away on business, Warren's boyfriend is also a member of the A team. Also, a member of the B team is interested in at least "friending" Mark. But as the affair continues, Mark and Warren get ever more bold.

My chief complaint about this film is that there is too much rugby. Too many scenes of training, post-game pub events, and dance halls / parties. I suppose it is a rugby film first, and the relationship is somewhat secondary.

I have never watched a game of rugby in my life, but In from the Side kind of makes me want to take up a Sunday league...!

I am a sucker for a well done film that deals in betrayal/deceit/salacious affairs, so I found this an easy and enjoyable watch. However, it is the cinematography that really makes this a standout, which is why my score is so high. London is artistically captured, the city feels familiar yet also quite whimsical. The rugby matches are also very well shot, with one match in particular quite breathtakingly done.

I would perhaps give the film in terms of plot 7, but the cinematography a 9.

At last a "man to man" film that didn't feature a cast of screaming Queens running all over the place in tight colourful clothing flapping their arms about. As the stereotype films would have you believe the "Gay" population behaves.

In fact this case revealed that man on man love can be quite like man/woman love. Nothing different or nothing setting them apart from anyone else. No underlying "look at me I a gay" (as if anyone cares)

This film is basically a love triangle (but more complicated) and the storyline really can be applied to same sex or straight couples - which is one of the reasons I liked it.

Yes adult life can be "complicated" from time to time - but this was a real story that can be applied to couples of any kind - as opposed to being overtly about "gay" behaviour. It was about a complicated love quadrangle/no matter what the sex of the couples.

At last!