Our take
While gay acceptance has been improving in most of the world, unfortunately, this acceptance isn’t universal to all sexualities and queer gender identities, especially for people of color. Femme depicts this difference through the relationship of Jules, a black gay drag queen, and Preston, a white masculine closeted gay drug dealer. As Jules deepens their relationship for revenge, and Preston opens up and allows himself to become more vulnerable, the film explores the way toxic masculinity and violence still dictates most of their dynamic, through an unsettling, sexually charged, stylish approach from the debut co-writers and directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping. However, Femme is particularly uneven, more focused on humanizing the aggressor rather than prioritizing the survivor.
Synopsis
Jules is a drag artist in London who withdraws into himself and loses his career after a horrific attack. Months later, he recognizes one of his assailants in a gay sauna and quickly realizes he has the perfect opportunity to get revenge.
Storyline
After a horrific hate crime after his drag show, Jules withdraws from the world, but gains a chance at revenge when he meets Preston, one of his attackers, at a gay sauna and enters into an affair with him.
TLDR
Yes, I know revenge is an unfulfilling path, and all, but I wish we got to feel some catharsis for Jules, especially with violence against queer POC on the rise.
What stands out
The premise is so daring, I wish that they went even further with Jules’ revenge.