Femme isnāt just a film – itās an experience, one that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster while deftly unraveling the stereotypes that have long clung to the queer community. From the moment the movie begins, youāre pulled into a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, where the lines between strength and vulnerability blur in the most unexpected ways.
Directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme dives deep into the life of Jules, played with stunning complexity by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Jules is a character who defies easy categorisation, a man who refuses to be boxed in by the labels society is all too eager to slap on him. Stewart-Jarrett brings a raw, magnetic energy to the role, making Jules both relatable and elusive – a character you feel you know intimately, yet one who constantly surprises you.
From the outset, the film challenges the viewer to rethink preconceived notions of masculinity and femininity. Jules, who navigates the world with a mix of confidence and caution, embodies the struggle of living in a society that still clings to rigid gender norms. His story is one of resilience, but also of deep-seated fear – a fear thatās palpably felt in every glance, every word, every carefully measured step.
Preston is everything your mother warned you about, and yet, somehow, that makes him all the more irresistible.
And then thereās George MacKayās character, Preston, who enters Julesās life like a whirlwind. MacKay delivers a performance thatās both unnerving and captivating, embodying a figure who at first seems to be the epitome of toxic masculinity, but who slowly reveals layers of vulnerability and confusion. The tension between these two characters is electric, pulling the audience into a psychological game where the stakes are as high as they are personal. Itās that dangerous dance we all know too well – falling for the bad boy, knowing itās trouble, but unable to resist the pull.
The chemistry between Stewart-Jarrett and MacKay is undeniable, creating a dynamic thatās as thrilling as it is unsettling. Their interactions crackle with intensity, each scene a masterclass in restraint and release. The film doesnāt shy away from exploring the complexities of their relationship, instead diving headfirst into the murky waters of desire, power, and identity.
Visually, Femme is a feast for the senses. The directors use the camera not just to tell a story, but to evoke a mood, a feeling – a sense of disquiet that lingers long after the credits roll. The cinematography is both stark and intimate, capturing the characters in moments of quiet vulnerability and explosive emotion. The use of colour and light is particularly striking, often mirroring the internal landscapes of the characters, making the visual experience as layered as the narrative itself.
But Femme isnāt just about breaking down stereotypes; itās about challenging the viewer to confront their own biases, their own fears. Itās a film that asks difficult questions – about identity, about power, about the masks we wear to survive in a world that so often demands conformity. And while it doesnāt always offer easy answers, it leaves you with plenty to think about, plenty to feel.
Final Thoughts ā ā ā ā ā
There are moments where the filmās pacing feels a bit uneven, where the narrative momentum stutters just as it should be building to a crescendo. But these minor flaws are easily overshadowed by the filmās ambition and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects head-on. This is not a film that seeks to pleaseāit seeks to provoke, to challenge, to upend.
Would I recommend Femme? Without a doubt. Itās a film thatās as bold as it is nuanced, a movie that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about gender, identity, and the power dynamics that shape our lives. Itās a journey worth taking, one that will stay with you long after the screen goes dark.
Available to watch on Netflix and other streaming services.
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