Femme emerges as a bold and captivating queer thriller that refuses to be confined by audience expectations. Digging its fingers into themes of identity and power dynamics, directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping deliver a nuanced vision that’s as gripping as it is thought-provoking. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett’s remarkable portrayal of Jules, a drag artist dealing with trauma, adds depth and vulnerability, but it’s perhaps George MacKay’s performance as Preston, a conflicted figure at war with his own desires and bigotry, that is most compelling.
Femme follows Jules, a drag artist whose life takes a dark turn after a brutal attack by homophobes. Traumatized, Jules encounters his attacker, Preston, in a gay sauna, sparking an unexpected connection and a plan for revenge.
What sets Femme apart is its refusal to tread familiar paths. It avoids clichés, opting instead for a refreshingly authentic take on the revenge genre. The story’s tension is artfully built, allowing for unexpected connections to form between characters. The film navigates the complexities of gender expression and sexual orientation with sensitivity, dealing in shades of grey where other films might take a starker, shallower approach.
Despite coming from television and theatre backgrounds, Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping have created a cinematic experience that’s both visually arresting and emotionally resonant. The cinematography paints London in moody hues, emphasizing the contrasting identities Jules grapples with. The pace keeps you on the edge, never indulging in predictability.
Femme is not just a thriller; it’s a bold statement on the transformative power of performance. In this film’s vision, drag isn’t merely a stage act; it’s a way of life, a coping mechanism, and a source of empowerment. The film’s exploration of drag culture adds layers of meaning to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple revenge story.
As the film unfolds, it skilfully subverts expectations, leading to an ending that’s as complex as the characters themselves. Femme is a triumph for its boldness, its nuanced storytelling, and its unapologetic celebration of queerness. In a landscape of formulaic cinema, it’s a refreshing reminder that it’s still possible to tell genre stories that challenge, surprise, and resonate deeply. The questions Femme raises linger long after the credits roll. Hopefully audiences will meet its provocations with the intelligence Femme deserves.
Femme played at the Fantasia Film Festival.
Whitlock&Pope 