Femme (2023) Review
A dangerous chess game between Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay
After releasing their award-winning short movie “Femme” in 2021, writers-directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping have now created a same-named full-length feature. The lead cast might be different as Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (“Candyman”) and George MacKay (“1917”) take over from Paapa Essiedu (“Men”) and Harris Dickinson (“The Triangle of Sadness”). However, the feature is still as gripping, provocative and important as the short film.
The movie dives straight into the mysterious, entertaining and unconventional world of Jules (Stewart-Jarrett). He’s a drag performer — stage name ‘Aphrodite Banks’ — who’s absolutely in his element on stage. The confidence, happiness and craftmanship the performer oozes are just off the charts. However, his vibrant world becomes a lot darker when he’s violently attacked by Preston (MacKay), a thug covered in tattoos, and his homophobic and ultra-masculine friends.
After locking himself up in his London flat, Jules slowly musters the courage and confidence to go out there again. When he encounters Preston, his vicious attacker, in a gay sauna, Jules is baffled, shocked and probably also a bit taken aback. However, when Preston invites Jules to his car — an invitation that eventually will lead to a sexual encounter — Jules sees this as the perfect opportunity for revenge and retribution.
From then onwards, “Femme” becomes a dangerous chess game between the two lead characters, and the line between good and evil becomes exceptionally blurry. While the initial storyline itself doesn’t offer something new under the sun, it’s still one we need to see on the big screen. Witnessing toxic masculinity, internalised homophobia, the abusive queer people face, and the impact of revenge porn is one of the few ways to keep the conversations about these topics going. What sets this movie apart from similar features is the ambiguity of the lead characters.
After their first altercation, Jules is understandably afraid of Preston. Those feelings and the fact that he was beaten up for being who he is evoke empathy and sympathy from the audience. He’s the good guy in every way. However, when he puts his revenge plan into action, his mindset shifts immensely, as will your feelings about the character (depending on how you look at it). The opposite goes for Preston. At first, we see that tattooed violent man as the abuser, but the more the story progresses, the more the abuser becomes abusive. Not only their mindset and behaviour shifts but also their sexual identity. It’s no longer a question of ‘female’ and ‘male’. No, it’s a much more complex one, especially when you add the fact that Preston is a closeted gay man to the equation.
The power dynamic between the two leads is coming grippingly to life thanks to the powerhouse duo Stewart-Jarrett-MacKay. Stewart-Jarrett is just a force of nature to be reckoned with. He brings so much power, confidence and sassiness to this movie and is not afraid to explore the darker sides of the story. The provocative story and Stewart-Jarrett’s impeccable acting are what keep you on your toes the entire time. You want to know what Jules’ next move will be.
MacKay shines as brightly as Stewart-Jarrett. He perfectly balances his character’s violent, impulsive nature with Preston’s more sensitive and insecure side. In True History of the Kelly Gang, the 2019 movie by Justin Kurzel, MacKay already showed us that he could portray dark and violent roles with such ease and confidence and in “Femme”, he proves that again! Together, the two leads generate enormous, long-lasting tension and an on-screen relationship that intrigues the audience.
The excellent performance elevates the critical material and so do the impressive visuals by James Rhodes (“The Rising”). Just like for their short movie, Freeman and Ping work with Rhodes, and it’s again a golden collaboration. The bold and vibrant neon colours spat off the screen and heightened the enigmatic vibe of the story even more.
While many scenes are horrific and disturbing, the events happening on screen are sadly what the LGBTQ+ community faces every day worldwide at the hands of transphobic and homophobic people. So yes, it might be a difficult watch, but it’s a necessary one. Those crucial topics, as well as the stunning visuals and powerful lead performances, are what make “Femme” an astonishing debut by Freeman and Ping.
“Femme” is out in UK cinemas on the 1st of December courtesy of Signature Entertainment
