Can You See Yourself In The Movies?

4 minute read. By Zoe (she/they) who today got so wrapped up in watching LGBT+ movies that this blog almost missed the deadline.

I’m a self-confessed movie buff. So today is a good day. ‘Cos, as you might have heard, it’s the start of LGBT+ History Month. And the theme for this year is Behind The Lens, a celebration of all the LGBT+ people working in the film and TV industry — from directors and cinematographers, to make-up artists and lighting directors. Jump over here to find out more.

Just reading about a few of these inspiring people really got me thinking…. can you imagine yourself working in film? Maybe you wanna write the next queer cult classic? Or be an animator? Or do set design? Either way, watching TV and movies is a pretty great way to start learning the craft. 

So, here’s a few LGBTQIA+ beauties…curl up on the sofa, grab the popcorn, click on the links to watch each one in full, and enjoy.

HEARTSTOPPER (12)

Created by Alice Oseman

Alice openly identifies as queer. In an interview with The Guardian she said, “I feel like I’m in a place now where I’m happy to talk about [my sexuality] because I think it’s important, particularly for younger queer people, to have representation. It’s something that I take very seriously.”

She initially created Heartstopper as a graphic novel, but it’s since been turned into a critically acclaimed TV show. It’s the story of two young guys, who go to the same school, and find themselves falling for each other. Coming from different friendship groups, navigating their feelings isn’t without its difficulties. But, without spoiling the plot, let’s just say that love wins the day. Kit Connor and Joe Locke are great in the lead roles, and Yasmin Finney, a trans actress on the show, also deserves a massive shout out for her performance. Heartstopper is on Netflix, so if you haven’t yet seen it then click on the link, borrow someone’s password, and get bingeing. 

SWEETHEART (15)

Directed by Marley Morrison

When asked about why she made this movie, the film’s director and LGBT+ activist Marley said, “A lot of the time, being young and queer can be such a lonely place. You’re always wondering: is that person gay or not? But I’m saying to young gay girls: what if the people you fancy are not running away from you?” 
The main character in the film is AJ, a 17-year-old white lesbian who’s been dragged away on holiday by her family to a tacky resort on the coast of Dorset. Bored and socially awkward, she’s intent on not enjoying herself — until she meets Isla, a flirty and seemingly-confident lifeguard. Cue mutual attraction, lust, awkwardness, and AJ’s quest to be the most authentic version of her true queer self. If you’re in the mood for a beautiful portrayal of the queer experience, this one is definitely worth a watch!

MOONLIGHT (15)

Producer and co-written by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tarell co-wrote and produced this masterpiece of a film, which is based on his own experience as a gay Black person who struggled with issues of identity and sexuality while growing up. If you like your movies to have incredible cinematography, then you’ll absolutely love it. And it gets pretty deep. It deals with themes of homophobia, bullying, racism, isolation and discrimination, and it does so with soooo much tenderness and beauty and emotion that there’s a fair bet you’ll shed more than a tear or two while watching it. Unsurprisingly, the movie picked up a whole heap of awards, and Tarell deservedly won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. 

PRIDE (15)

This film tells the true story of a little piece of LGBTQ+ history, when lesbian and gay activists raised money to support the families of miners who were striking. That all happened back in 1984, when homophobia was rife. So you can probably imagine that the activists weren’t initially met with open arms and words of gratitude by the mining community! But by the end of the movie we see the relationship between the two groups blossom to be full of care, acceptance and warmth. We defy you not to enjoy this one!

If you feel like a career in filmmaking could be for you, it’d be great to hear which movie or show you wish you could have worked on…send us a DM on Insta at @NCS