New Movies: Femme (2023) by Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping: A Queer Revenge Thriller
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 16
- 12 min read
Core Summary: Vengeance and Identity in the Aftermath of Hate Femme (2023), directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, is a gripping British thriller/drama that explores themes of trauma, revenge, and identity in the queer community. After a horrific homophobic attack destroys his life and drag career, Jules encounters one of his attackers, Preston, in a gay sauna. Recognizing him, Jules embarks on a dangerous and emotionally charged path of revenge, drawing Preston into a complex, sexually charged relationship where the lines between victim and perpetrator, power and submission, become terrifyingly blurred.
Summary Short: Drag Queen Seeks Revenge Through Seduction A drag performer, recovering from a brutal homophobic attack, orchestrates a dangerous revenge plot by seducing one of his assailants, leading to a tense and psychologically complex power play.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20114686/
About movie: https://agilefilms.com/film/reel/femme-thriller/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/femme-2023 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/femme-2024 (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/femme (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/femme-2024 (Germany)
Detailed Summary: A Calculated Descent into a Toxic Relationship Femme (2023) is a British thriller and drama, adapted from the directors' acclaimed short film of the same name.
The Attack: The story centers on Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), a vibrant drag queen known as Aphrodite, Queen of the South. After one of his shows, Jules is brutally targeted in a homophobic attack, which shatters his life and career, leaving him in a depressive state and living a mundane existence.
The Encounter: Months later, while at a gay sauna, a recovering Jules unexpectedly encounters Preston (George MacKay), one of the men who attacked him. Jules quickly realizes Preston does not recognize him out of drag.
The Revenge Plot: Seizing this opportunity, Jules meticulously devises a revenge plan. He approaches Preston, initiating a strained, toxic, and sexually charged relationship. Jules, initially "undercover" in a more masculine guise, enters Preston's world, where Preston typically exerts control.
Shifting Dynamics: The film masterfully explores the complex power dynamics that unfold. As Jules bides his time for revenge, an undeniable, mutual attraction begins to form between the two men, complicating Jules's clear-cut intentions. The narrative subtly switches perspectives, teasing whether each man truly knows what the other is scheming.
Themes of Identity and Trauma: Jules's journey involves reclaiming his identity as Aphrodite, feeling he failed her after the attack. His appearance changes from muted colors and no makeup to more masculine attire, reflecting his "undercover" persona, before potentially reclaiming his femme identity. The film also delves into how trauma can manifest, sometimes leading to a form of distorted pleasure as a defense mechanism.
Intimate and Violent Climax: The tension builds towards an "ultraviolent climax," leaving a "bitter aftertaste of emptiness" and raising questions about whether vengeance truly brings catharsis, or if it simply perpetuates a cycle of pain.
Plot summary
Life Before the Attack: Jules is introduced as Aphrodite, Queen of the South, a confident and commanding drag performer in London, embodying a vibrant queer identity.
The Homophobic Attack: After a performance, Jules becomes the victim of a vicious homophobic attack by a group of men, including Preston. This traumatic event profoundly impacts Jules, leading to depression, withdrawal, and a loss of his drag persona.
The Unrecognized Encounter: Months later, Jules, no longer in drag and adopting a more subdued, masculine appearance, spots Preston at a gay sauna. Preston, unaware of Jules's true identity, fails to recognize his victim.
The Seduction and Infiltration: Jules, seeing an opportunity for revenge, begins to subtly insinuate himself into Preston's life, initiating a complex and sexually charged relationship under false pretenses. He enters Preston's hypermasculine world, appearing as a "traditional lad" to blend in.
Psychological Power Play: The core of the film becomes a tense psychological game. Jules, armed with the knowledge of Preston's past transgression, manipulates the dynamic. Simultaneously, the film explores Preston's internalized homophobia and his own hidden vulnerabilities beneath his tough exterior.
Blurring Lines: As their relationship deepens, an unexpected mutual attraction and intimacy develop, complicating Jules's singular focus on revenge. The film masterfully plays with the audience's perception, questioning how much control Jules truly has and whether a genuine connection might be forming.
Consequences of Vengeance: The narrative builds to a confrontational climax where Jules's plan is executed. The outcome is not one of simple triumph, but rather a reflection on the destructive nature of revenge, leaving both characters with lingering emotional scars and a sense of unresolved pain.
Director's Vision Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, in their feature directorial debut, aim to deliver a "tense, emotional revenge story that feels relentless," building upon their successful short film. Their vision for Femme is multifaceted:
Exploration of Trauma and Pleasure: A central idea is the human mind's ability to turn traumatic events into a form of pleasure or agency as a defense mechanism. The film constantly "walks this line" between trauma and pleasure, horror and fun.
Razor-Sharp Characters and Chemistry: They sought to create "razor sharp characters" with "layers of character background and history," brought to life by the "sensational" chemistry between their lead actors, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay.
Visual Style and Juxtaposition: The directors impress with their "skill, bringing style to the film via neon lighting and brightly coloured clothing, wonderful imagery that uses juxtaposition to tell of the pleasure and trauma that are so prominent throughout the story."
Intimacy and Violence: They were committed to portraying "intimate and violent scenes" authentically, ensuring that actors felt safe while being creative. The camera work often positions the audience "inside her head, as if the camera field were her field of vision" from Jules's perspective.
Provocative Gender Exploration: The title "Femme" itself is intended to be "provocative in relation to gender," exploring "that euphemism of gender, how in the toxic masculine a man has to play a role," contrasted with Jules's ideal of femininity.
Subverting Revenge Tropes: While a revenge story, the directors aim for a nuanced outcome, avoiding "cut-and-dried triumphalism" for something more "slippery and, perhaps, more meaningful," suggesting that vengeance can ultimately be an "empty" or self-destructive act.
Themes
Revenge and Its Costs: The central theme is the pursuit of revenge, exploring its psychological impact on both the victim and the perpetrator, and questioning whether it truly brings catharsis or perpetuates trauma.
Queer Identity and Self-Loathing: The film deeply delves into queer identity, the vulnerability of queer individuals in homophobic spaces, and the complexities of internalized homophobia, particularly within Preston. Jules's journey involves grappling with his identity as a drag artist after the attack.
Trauma and Coping Mechanisms: It examines the psychological aftermath of a hate crime, exploring how individuals process trauma, and how defense mechanisms, even self-destructive ones, can emerge.
Power Dynamics and Control: The shifting power dynamic between Jules and Preston, rooted in their past encounter and present manipulation, is a significant theme. It explores who holds control in a relationship built on deceit and desire.
Masculinity and Performance: The film dissects different facets of masculinity, particularly toxic masculinity, and how individuals (both Jules and Preston) "play a role" or perform identities to fit into various social milieux.
Sexuality and Intimacy: The explicit and often disturbing sexual relationship between the characters explores the intersection of intimacy, violence, and desire in a context where power and consent are constantly in question.
Key success factors
Dual Lead Performances: The "sensational" and "career-turning" performances by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay are repeatedly cited as the film's strongest asset, carrying the complex emotional and power dynamics.
Tense and Unrelenting Atmosphere: The film successfully maintains a high level of anxiety-inducing tension, keeping audiences on edge throughout.
Subversive Genre Blending: Its fusion of revenge thriller, psychological drama, and erotic thriller elements, particularly within a queer context, is seen as commendably uncompromising and fresh.
Bold Directorial Vision: Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping's clear, daring vision in exploring difficult themes like trauma, sexuality, and identity contributes significantly to the film's impact.
Intricate Screenwriting: The "razor-sharp characters" and "deep knowledge of the human psyche" evident in the writing elevate the material and provide layers of complexity.
Festival and Critical Acclaim: Strong showings at major film festivals and widespread positive critical reviews have established the film's reputation and appeal.
Summary Short: Critically Lauded Queer Revenge Thriller Femme has received widespread critical acclaim, with a "Generally Favorable" Metascore of 69% and a "Certified Fresh" Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%. It has won numerous awards, including multiple British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for acting and technical categories, and a Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival, solidifying its status as a significant work in queer cinema.
Awards and Nominations Femme has garnered significant critical recognition and numerous awards:
British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) 2023:
Winner: Best Joint Lead Performance (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett & George MacKay)
Winner: Best Costume Design
Winner: Best Make-Up & Hair Design
Nominee: Best British Independent Film
Nominee: Best Director (Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping)
Nominee: Best Screenplay (Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping)
Nominee: The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director)
Nominee: Best Debut Screenwriter (Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping)
Nominee: Best Cinematography
Nominee: Best Original Music
Nominee: Best Music Supervision
Berlin International Film Festival 2023:
Winner: Teddy Award for Best Feature Film
Official Selection: Panorama
Fantasia Film Festival 2023:
Winner: Best Director
Winner: Outstanding Performance
Gotham Independent Film Awards 2024: Nominee for Best Screenplay
San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle 2025: Winner: Special Citation for Independent Cinema
Milwaukee International Film Festival 2024: Winner: Emerging Fiction Jury Award
Cleveland International Film Festival 2024: Winner: New Direction Competition
Official Selections at numerous other prestigious festivals including Edinburgh International Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Valladolid International Film Festival, Jerusalem Film Festival, Helsinki International Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Athens International Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, Bergen International Film Festival, New Horizons International Film Festival, Beyond Fest, Vilnius International Film Festival, Mardi Gras Film Festival, and Seoul International Pride Film Festival.
Critics Reception Femme has received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a Metascore of 69 out of 100 based on 14 critic reviews, indicating a blend of positive and mixed responses. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a Certified Fresh rating of 97% based on a larger number of reviews.
Strengths Highlighted: Critics consistently praise the "sensational performances" of Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay, their "razor-sharp chemistry," and the film's ability to create an "anxiety-inducing tension." The "clarity of directorial vision" and "grounded screenplay" are also frequently commended. It's often described as a "tremendously effective revenge movie" that "reframes the neo-noir" and is "subversive, unsettling and sexually charged."
Areas of Mixed Reception: Some reviews point to a "disappointingly conventional resolution" that races to an end, or argue that the film is "too concerned with the dangers of ambiguity to pay attention to the cunning trap of blatancy." A few critics found the subtlety lacking or felt it was "less subversive than it seems to think it is."
Focus on Themes: Many reviewers laud its unflinching exploration of trauma, queer identity, and the complexities of human relationships, noting its "vividly compelling ride" through a "fascinating dual character study."
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Femme is widely regarded as a bold, stylish, and commendably uncompromising debut feature that delivers a potent queer revenge thriller. Its success is largely attributed to the powerhouse performances of its leads and the directors' skillful handling of a complex, sexually charged narrative. While some minor criticisms exist regarding pacing or resolution, the overwhelming consensus is that it's a powerful and significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
Reviews Femme has garnered strong positive reviews, particularly from film festival audiences and critics.
Electrifying and Intense: Reviewers describe the film as "electrifying," "pulse-pounding," and "crackling with intensity," indicating a highly engaging experience.
Powerhouse Performances: The lead actors, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay, are consistently lauded for their "mesmerizing" and "powerhouse" portrayals, praised for their ability to draw audiences into the complex emotional landscape of their characters.
Genre-Shattering: Many consider it a "genre-shattering thriller" that pushes boundaries within the revenge and queer cinema genres.
Bold and Unflinching: The film is commended for its raw authenticity and unflinching exploration of difficult themes, including homophobia, trauma, revenge, and self-loathing.
Thought-Provoking: It invites audiences to "confront uncomfortable truths" and embark on a journey that is both "thought-provoking" and "exhilarating."
Overall Summary of Reviews: Femme is celebrated for its gripping narrative, its impactful performances, and its bold exploration of complex themes within a queer revenge thriller framework. It has resonated deeply with audiences and critics for its intensity, psychological depth, and willingness to challenge cinematic norms.
Box Office Femme (2023) had a limited theatrical release in several countries before its digital availability. Its worldwide box office gross is approximately $385,589.
Domestic (North America): $187,053 (released by Utopia)
International: $198,536 (with notable grosses in the Netherlands and United Kingdom)
It opened with $17,277 domestically and $18,671 in the UK. As a smaller independent film, these figures are typical for its release strategy, with a broader audience reached through streaming.
Production Summary Femme is a 99-minute (or 1 hour 39 minute) British drama/thriller film from 2023, directed and written by the duo Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping. It is produced by Myles Payne and Sam Ritzenberg for Agile Films, with executive producers including Marnie Podos, Eva Yates, and Sébastien Raybaud. Key crew members include James Rhodes (Director of Photography), Selina MacArthur (Editor), and Adam Janota Bzowski (Music). The film stars Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jules and George MacKay as Preston, with Antonia Clarke also in the cast.
Production companies
Agile Films (United Kingdom)
Sales companies
Anton (International Sales Agent)
Distribution companies
Signature Entertainment (UK)
Utopia (Domestic/North America)
Hulu (SVOD release in the US)
Release date on streaming Femme was released on VOD platforms on April 30, 2024. It was later available on SVOD (subscription video on demand) via Hulu in the US starting July 23, 2024. In the UK, it was added to Netflix in March 2024.
Theatrical Release Femme premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2023. Its limited theatrical release in the United Kingdom began on December 1, 2023, and in North America on March 22, 2024. It also screened at numerous other international film festivals throughout 2023 and 2024.
Why to recommend this movie
Raw and Unflinching: It doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths, tackling sensitive themes like homophobia, trauma, and revenge with a gritty realism.
Exceptional Acting: The performances by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay are widely considered career-defining and create an intensely compelling dynamic.
Subversive Storytelling: It takes a familiar revenge narrative and injects it with a unique queer perspective, exploring the complexities of identity and power in a fresh way.
Tension-Filled Thriller: The film maintains a relentless, anxiety-inducing tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Important Social Commentary: Beyond the thrills, it offers a poignant reflection on the lingering effects of hate crime and the challenges faced by the queer community.
Why to Watch Movie
For a Powerful Revenge Story: If you appreciate thrillers that delve deep into the psychological toll of vengeance.
To See Outstanding Performances: Witness Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay deliver truly memorable and complex portrayals.
Explore Queer Cinema: Engage with a significant and acclaimed film that authentically represents queer experiences and themes.
For Thought-Provoking Drama: If you enjoy films that challenge societal norms and explore uncomfortable truths about human nature.
Experience a Bold Directorial Debut: See the impressive work of new filmmaking talents, Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping.
Movie Trend Femme strongly aligns with the "Queer Revenge Thriller" trend, a growing subgenre that uses the framework of a thriller or revenge narrative to explore themes specific to the LGBTQ+ community, often focusing on the aftermath of hate crimes, internalized homophobia, and complex power dynamics. It also fits into the broader trend of "Elevated Genre Cinema", where films utilize genre conventions (thriller, horror) to explore deeper psychological and social themes, often with high artistic merit.
Social Trend The film directly addresses the social trend of "Confronting Homophobia and Hate Crimes" and the "Nuance of LGBTQ+ Identity and Relationships." In an era of increased awareness and advocacy around LGBTQ+ rights, Femme delves into the violent realities faced by queer individuals and the complex psychological repercussions. It also explores the intricacies of identity, masculinity, and sexual relationships within the queer community, moving beyond simplistic portrayals. The film's critical acclaim and themes contribute to the ongoing cultural conversation about safety, acceptance, and the lived experiences of marginalized groups.
Final Verdict Femme is a tour de force of British independent cinema, a bracingly intense and emotionally charged queer revenge thriller that demands attention. Directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping deliver a remarkably assured debut, crafting a film that is as visually stylish as it is psychologically gripping. Driven by the extraordinary, raw performances of Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay, Femme is a vital and unflinching exploration of trauma, identity, and the complex, often destructive, nature of vengeance. It's a must-see for those seeking a challenging, impactful, and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Recommendations for film makers
Focus on Character-Driven Stories: The immense success of Femme is largely due to its deeply explored, complex characters. Prioritize building rich, layered protagonists and antagonists, even within genre constraints.
Embrace Difficult Subject Matter with Nuance: Don't shy away from sensitive or controversial topics, but ensure they are handled with the necessary depth, avoiding simplistic portrayals. Femme tackles homophobia and trauma with unflinching honesty.
Leverage Chemistry Between Leads: If your story involves an intense two-hander, cast actors who have undeniable chemistry, as this can elevate the entire film and make complex dynamics believable.
Master the Art of Tension: Study how Femme maintains a relentless, anxiety-inducing atmosphere through its pacing, cinematography, and the psychological interplay between characters.
Consider Short-to-Feature Adaptation: If you have a compelling short film, explore its potential for expansion, ensuring there's enough thematic and narrative depth to sustain a feature-length format.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Diverse Voices and Narratives: Continue to champion films from underrepresented communities and those that offer fresh perspectives on universal themes. Femme is a testament to the power of queer storytelling.
Invest in Elevated Genre Films: Recognize the critical and artistic potential of films that use genre conventions (thriller, horror) to explore deeper social and psychological issues.
Recognize the Importance of Performance: High-quality acting can significantly elevate a film. Support projects that invest in strong casts and allow actors to deliver nuanced, challenging performances.
Promote Discussion Around Difficult Themes: Films like Femme can spark important conversations about hate, trauma, and identity. Leverage distribution and marketing to facilitate these dialogues.
Embrace Festival Success: Pay close attention to films that garner significant buzz and awards on the festival circuit, as these often represent the cutting edge of independent cinema.
Final Conclusions Femme is a bold, challenging, and essential contribution to contemporary cinema. Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping have crafted a powerful and unnerving queer revenge thriller that defies easy categorization, driven by two truly outstanding performances. Its unflinching exploration of trauma, identity, and the intoxicating, yet ultimately destructive, pursuit of vengeance makes it a compelling and vital watch that resonates deeply.
Comments