Another indie movie for you, and something a little different from our usual fare. Departures is described as “a Danny Boyle moment for British queer cinema.”
Looks romantic, doesn’t it? Departures stars Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, David Tag, Liam Boyle, Ali Afzal, Tyler Conti, and Anthony Crank. Eyre-Morgan writes and co-writes with Neil Ely. The story:
Benji encounters Jake at an airport gate, sensing attraction. Their relationship unfolds through Amsterdam trips and intimacy, revealing complex power dynamics.
Having premiered at BFI Flare, the film’s raw honesty has proven to connect with critics, with CineramaFilm awarding the film 4 stars saying:
“Departures isn’t just one of the best gay movies of the year so far; it’s one of the most insightful, as perfectly timed comedy, powerful drama, and lived experience combine to create a one-of-a-kind movie”
The press release calls this:
A must-see British comedy-drama that dissects a toxic relationship with humour and raw emotion. Inspired by real heartbreak. What begins as thrilling monthly getaways to Amsterdam soon unravels into a doomed relationship of convenience. Struggling to move on after being dumped, Benji spirals into addiction and fleeting hook-ups, haunted by the love he lost.
A Gay Shirley Valentine
Departures stars Lloyd Eyre-Morgan (Outings, 3 in a Bed), David Tag (Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road), Tyler Conti (Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, Hollyoaks), and Liam Boyle (Emmerdale Farm, Coronation Street). Created by a collective of British, working-class LGBTQI+ filmmakers, Departures is a darkly comic, emotionally charged journey. Think Shirley Valentine meets an LGBTQ Trainspotting.
Speaking on the release of their collaborative feature debut, Directors Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, who previously directed the short film S.A.M. together, commented:
“Departures is self-financed by Manchester creatives who believe in the story enough to carry it forward without waiting for permission or institutional support. Every step of the film is built through persistence and a shared belief in what we are trying to say. We work with working-class Manchester creatives to tell a unique LGBTQ story based on the filmmakers’ lived experiences.”
Departures will be in select UK cinemas from the 17th April. Might give a review a miss.
Now, let’s comment, remembering we are all adults and should act accordingly.
