Gritty and realistic. Both the lead characters regularly flip from hunter to hunted building a palpable tension. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett captures Jules brilliantly from the early scenes when he is violently hurt in a homophobic attack, up to the end where he shows his power and takes charge. George MacKay is simply outstanding as Preston, Jules' attacker and then lover. I can't believe how MacKay was able to convey so much emotion that I actually felt sorry for Preston, even though I knew I shouldn't. Preston is a deeply troubled character, a man who is able to be tender and loving trapped in a world of toxic masculinity. MacKay has a kind face and is able to express the vulnerability that Preston faces but on the flick of a light switch can show us the monsterous behaviours that he is capable of. The storytelling and direction is outstanding as when the credits rolled I truly wanted more. The peacekeeper in me wanted Jules and Preston to reconcile but is there any way back for what Preston did? I do suspect not but stranger thanks have happened. Clearly Preston didn't belong in his world and felt more at ease in the arms of Jules but the threat of exposure is a cross too hard to bear.
Review of Femme
