This one's a beautiful, tender, quiet romantic drama with a moody atmosphere, set in a tight knit Welsh fishing community. It's a touching story about a man waking up sexually in the middle of his life, and how he, his family, and everyone around him deal with it, which makes it emotional and sentimental without ever getting over the top. The slow burn plays out against a landscape that's as bleak as it is gorgeous, where quiet, closed off men are stuck inside rigid ideas of what masculinity should be. Some people might be reminded of "God's Own Country," but I think both films are lovely in their own way. Jack is a middle aged guy who co-owns a mussel farm with his rough around the edges brother Dyfan, and the tension between the two of them is simmering under the surface right from the start. Dyfan's three sons all help out with the work, while Jack's sulky teenage son Tom keeps skipping out. Jack's been with his wife since they were both 16, and...
As a young boy, Justin knew he was different and gay but under the watchful eye of his very strict father, he was never allowed to act upon them. Slowly, Justin learnt how to hide his true emotions and feelings and started to write them down. Of course when he moves to college, things are different. He is open about his sexuality and has an amazing circle of friends, Brooke being his best friend. His father usually calls him twice a quarter and because of years of built up of father's pressure makes Justin hurt himself one way or other when his father calls, making him a frequent visitor to ER. There he meets Michael and for some reason takes an instant liking for him. Michael is a stable nurse who has purpose in life, whereas Justin is carefree, free spirited person trying his best to live his life. Justin never gives up and persistently pursues Michael, who eventually gives him and they start dating. Both guys have some hidden past about them which needs to be shared. Turns out Michael was severely bullied and beaten up by a group of guys as a child including a guy who kissed him. This allows Justin to also slowly open up about his father's disapproval. When Michael tries to make Justin see things from a more practical way, they have misunderstanding but eventually come closer. After graduation, after the parents visit, things go much worse for Justin and this time he harms himself even more. But Michael takes good care of him. Justin eventually comes out and builds a life with Michael slowly. He gets a purpose and becomes a writer. The last 10 minutes are a sort of fast forward into how things work out for the couple with a marriage, home and a kid.
This film i a light hearted and a beautiful and emotional love story with a lot of soul. The first 45-50 minutes of Justin trying to woo Michael are superb. The chemistry they share is absolutely magical. They both are so much full of love. It was as if you are watching in real life two boys trying to get to know each other and connect. You feel the sincerity of their performance, of the director and you feel how much love probably went through to create those scenes. Justin had an amazing screen presence which is like battle half won. Michael brings in the stability that Justin needs. I mean, they even sleep together after almost 3-4 months of knowing each other. Special shout out to all the friends who are there for Justin, always. Everything was going so good in the film, with no unnecessary drama that I would have rated this film high high up, until the last 25 minutes. as good Justin and Michael were, equally horrible were the actors playing Justin's parents. Look at his mother's reaction. She seems all plastic and wooden and sa e for the dad. I felt cheated that all energy was used up in building and directing two beautiful people as one soul, that no attention was given to other actors. The parents were soooooooo bad. Also, personally I feel that there could have been a better way to cement the relationship than the almost suicidal event that happens. But that's just my view. The marriage proposal also comes out of nowhere given that Justin has just graduated. But then fast forwarding into their life happily with a kid brought. a much needed smile on my face and I was ready to forgive some of the blemishes that the makers could have avoided and made this film great to marvelous.
This film is a very small production but its all heart and soul and love. I can assure you that if you are slightest bit of romantic, you will not regret watching this film. And please, we need to promote this film a lot more. (8/10)
Comments
I wish more and more people watch this film. One of the most highly underrated films, for sure.