It wasn't so long ago that people identifying as LGBTQ+ lacked basic legal safeguards, and instead encountered outright prejudice, with laws designed to deny them equal rights and even permit their exclusion. This was a reality in places considered “civilized” or “progressive,” such as North America and Europe. As a result, individuals lived in constant fear of losing employment, facing public humiliation without consequence, and experiencing disrespect and distrust from their families. The film sheds light on these unsettling conditions through a period drama unfolding in the UK during the late 1980s, when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attempted to pass Section 28, legislation intended to ban activities openly promoting homosexuality—a bill with significant ramifications for the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals within that community, including a young lesbian physical education teacher (played by Rosy McEwen), chose to conceal their identities in an attempt to avoid attention. However, these efforts undermined any social advancement achieved, negatively impacting people’s sense of self-worth and creating a divide between those who passionately fought for justice and those who opted to remain discreet to protect themselves—a dynamic reflected in the experiences of the teacher and her openly lesbian girlfriend (portrayed by Kerrie Hayes). Georgia Oakley's first feature film successfully portrays this fracture and its impact on both public and private lives, an accomplishment that led to a 2022 BAFTA Award nomination for Best Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. The initial portion of the movie does feel somewhat slow-paced, but once it finds its focus, as damaging secrets begin to surface, it becomes increasingly impactful and emotionally resonant, thanks to the strong performances from the actors, well-developed writing, and skillful cinematography and production design. It also serves as a warning about the consequences of laws like Section 28 (which was in effect from 1988 to 2003) and draws attention to similar legislation currently being considered in parts of the United States. The film effectively explains how Jean became so disheartened – and why we should strive to prevent that outcome for others.

Source on TMDB