Fish opens the lineup with a witty and relatable comedy that follows a woman’s bisexual awakening. Cara Mahoney’s sharp script sets the scene in a straight club where the protagonist dances with men, only to experience a life-altering moment when she locks eyes with an woman on her way home. Sarah Gage's quirky music underscores the ensuing ‘expectation vs. reality’ sequence as her journey toward exploring her desires begins. The POV cinematography, reminiscent of Peep Show, enhances the awkward humour throughout.
Here shifts the tone, offering a tender, slow-burn romance between two seasonal workers on a strawberry farm. Under Lilly Zhuang’s sensitive direction, Fraser Patrick Kelly and Cameron Dews delicate performances breathe life into this story, where longing simmers in stolen glances and the unspoken chemistry lingers in the quiet moments between them.
May Kindred-Boothby’s The Eating of an Orange unfolds in a dystopian, Handmaid’s Tale-like world where a woman trapped in conformity discovers the sensual power of the ‘forbidden fruit’. Kindred-Boothby’s simple use of colour imbues the orange with a transformative magic, using elegant, morphing innuendos to show how the fruit’s essence dissolves into the body and awakens a repressed sensuality.
Lisbon brings a darkly comedic edge, exploring an unlikely intergenerational relationship born from a twisted situation. Matthew Jacobs Morgan’s sharp, quick-witted dialogue propels the story forward, delving into the lingering survivor’s guilt carried by a gay man who lived through the AIDS epidemic of the 80s. The simplicity of the concept allows the emotional depth to resonate whilst balancing with humour.
If This Were Purgatory stands out as the sole documentary in the lineup, exploring the importance of queer clubs as safe spaces. Through a series of insightful interviews, the film highlights the personal connections individuals forge with these spaces. Fatosh Olgacher’s cinematography carefully zooms in on those queuing outside the club, offering glimpses into the unique lives of the people who walk through its doors and underscoring the significance of belonging and community.
Wild Oats injects a burst of humour with a hilarious coming-of-age comedy. A teenage girl living on a farm becomes consumed by her fantasies of a magazine poster girl, only for these fantasies to be constantly interrupted by her daily chores. Her attempts at masturbation hilariously disrupted by the animals and her father. The contrast between her daydreams and reality is brilliantly heightened through sharp physical comedy and clever editing.
Before I Do takes an original look at the suffocating constraints of marriage for someone longing for non-monogamy. The film vividly paints the world around Mona, where various relationships influence the weight of her impending decision. While rich in atmosphere and emotional tension, the story leaves us on an unresolved cliffhanger.
Teth offers a heartwarming portrayal of a father-son relationship evolving after top surgery. Leo Drayton’s writing and Peter Darney’s direction balance tender moments with bursts of comedic awkwardness. The narrative unfolds through a series of absurd events, culminating in a wholesome and affirming resolution.
The series concludes with Two Black Boys in Paradise, where Baz Sell’s vibrant animation transports us to a world where these boys can exist freely. While acknowledging the realities of racism and homophobia in the present world, the story focuses on the warmth and sweetness of their connection. As they affirm at the end, ‘Paradise is meant for just two people at a time’.
Show Title: To Your Souls: Shorts from the UK & Ireland
Venue: BFI, Southbank
Review Date: 23/03/2025
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