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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good film ruined by its ending, 17 Feb 2005
David and Theo have been best friends forever. Working class London lads, they do everything together. Then Theo meets Hannah and everything changes. Steve John Shepherd gives an amazing performance as moody, charismatic David. When he's onscreen you just can't take your eyes off him. He conveys David's pain through looks and body language, increasingly uncomfortable in his skin. John Simm is convincing as the weedy Theo. The weak link is the absence of any chemistry between Theo & Hannah, which makes David & Theo's relationship a more believable prospect. Hannah is such a pain I couldn't feel sympathetic. A previous lover was a two-timer, so now she thinks all men are the same. She sees David as a threat. Well, she's right there, but it's not what she thinks. Running throughout is David's obsession with a confessional TV show, where people confront relationship problems in front of the cameras. Then go home prepared to 'Forgive and Forget'. David gets desperate. He loves Theo. So much he can't contemplate life without him. David believes Theo will see who he really wants. But Theo is straight, and has no idea about his friend's secret love. As a film about coming out, this is effective and sympathetic. We see David struggle, painful to watch. He doesn't want to be gay but can't change what he is. Knows what the consequences will be if he reveals his secret. People hurt to discover he's not who they thought he was. David is so deeply closeted and non-stereotypically gay, no one could've suspected. The ending of the film ruined it for me. Worse, it's homophobic. The film is a sham, clearly made for a straight audience. Surely we've moved on from gay=punishment? I can't go into details, without spoiling, but I hated it. It made me angry and upset. It isn't even credible. Pity, as the rest of the film had so much going for it. Worth getting for Steve John Shepherd.
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