Femme

Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) is a celebrated drag act on the gay club circuit, his alter-ego Aphrodite a beautiful performer striking in a blue dress and make-up. Taking a break, he notices someone eyeing him up. Later on, not having any cigarettes he goes to buy some. Visibly nervous in full make up he’s insulted by the man who was looking at him. A smart reply gets him a horrific beating that even three months later he’s still suffering with.

Eventually getting out to a gay sauna he sees the man who attacked him. Preston (George MacKay) is well-built, heavily tattooed and a repellent thug. But Jules sees an opportunity, so flirts with Preston eventually leading to a sexual relationship. Its edgy as Preston has a hair trigger of a temper, paranoid at the thought that his secret gets out which would likely destroying his standing with his mates.

How this develops and the changing dynamics between Jules and Preston is the core to writers and directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping remarkable film, based on the 2021 BIFA-winning and BAFTA-nominated short film of the same name.

Jules to start with is on edge knowing Preston’s capacity for violence though he’s happy enough to be bought expensive meals, in return for sex. Things begin to change when after an initial nervous encounter with Preston’s mates, Jules, later, in a brilliant sequence, through his expertise on computer fighting games wins their confidence. Jules (reminiscent of The Servant) begins to get the upper hand, manipulating Preston, knowing the dangers involved.

Stewart-Jarrett and MacKay are just sublime in their roles. Both complicated people the tense friendship, possible relationship that builds between them is absorbing. Stewart-Jarrett with quiet assertion manipulating Preston and the situation. While MacKay a thoroughly nasty piece of work that nevertheless is intelligent, has grounded ambitions and possibly feelings.

The viewer isn’t left in much doubt where the sympathies lie but the writers develop the characters in such a way that there is a level of understanding for both, in particular Preston’s weakness at having to hide behind the Alpha male façade.

Technically the film has a suitably inner-city grubbiness that is strangely beautified by the brilliant use of hues and sound. Enhancing the images further is the soundtrack by Adam Janota Bzowski which blends an excellent synth score with contemporary dance and rap music.

Femme will be available on digital platforms from 15 January 2024.