A world premiere is always an exciting occasion. With zero expectations and an audience full of intrigue, there is a certain buzz that radiates throughout the auditorium at such a screening. Regardless of cast, budget, distributors, or story, nobody knows quite what to expect. This is no different for Lilies Not For Me, the feature film directorial debut from Will Seefried.
The film follows two young men as they wrestle with their sexuality in the repressive English society of the 1920s. When one of them uncovers a way to “cure” themselves, however, things get a little twisted.
The picture opens in the scenic English countryside as novelist Owen James (Normal People's Fionn O'Shea) begins writing his latest work. Before long his old school friend Philip (Robert Aramayo) arrives and Owen's own sexual curiosity becomes as clear as the blossoming lilies in his garden. It is a gentle opening reminiscent of early 19th/late 20th century romantic literature, the best reference point being that of E.M. Forster's late novel ‘Maurice'.
The exquisitely dressed period setting, the charming music and the wonderful visuals not only ease us into the story but also set the perfect groundwork for Owen's desires; beautiful and freeing, as long as they are secluded from the rest of society. The moment this becomes clear to the audience, writer/director Will Seefried slams us into the reality of Owen's existence, that he is being held at a psychiatric hospital.
From this point on the story cuts back and forth between Owen's summer with Philip and a series of doctor-ordered ‘dates' with his Psychiatric nurse (Erin Kellyman), whom he is sharing his story with. The structure is a constant reminder of what it meant to be queer during such a repressive time; a life of misery with few moments of bliss.
By switching back and forth between the two extremely opposing moments of Owen's life, Seefriend expertly shocks the audience time and time again. At one point showing us the beauty one can have in their heart, and the vulnerability it takes one to show themselves for who they are, before then showing us some of the most depraved moments in queer history.
As well written and well directed as it may be, Lilies Not For Me simply would not have worked without the right cast. Fionn O'Shea is wonderful as the film's lead, bringing a natural shyness to the role. O'Shea's performance perfectly encapsulates the repressed nature of so many homosexual men of the time, which makes it all the more sublime when Owen allows himself to bloom. Equally so, Aramayo more than delivers as Owen's counterpart. Instead of a flower in full bloom, Aramayo's performance is more similar to that of a withering rose; something once capable of beauty but now decaying.
Admittedly, the two men lack chemistry together, something Fionn more than makes up for with his abundance of chemistry with every other actor in the film. Whilst this lack of chemistry can allow the romantic scenes to feel insincere, it does add a certain perversion to such scenes. However, what this allows is for the much darker sequences in the movie to flourish.
Placing a magnifying glass over a shamefully neglected period in queer history, Lilies Not For Me is a shocking picture not just due to the historical nature of the depravity on screen, but also because of Seefried's excellent writing. Crafting an engaging story that reminds us not only of the horror many queer people faced at the time but also the horror many of us still face to this day. What we see on screen may allow us to feel grateful for how far we have come but it is also a harsh reminder of how much farther we have to go. Ultimately, however, what makes this movie special is the emphasis it places on art as an outlet. At a time when many feel as though they need to hide who they really are, art is a form of escape, a way of letting yourself out whether that be through words on a page, paint on a canvas or images on film. Equally so, that escape can come simply by seeing yourself represented in the art you consume and many will see themselves, in some way, in this movie.
Lilies Not For Me is a special picture. It has its flaws but they are long forgotten by the time the credits roll. Mixing repression and desire, hope and despair, It's like The Remains of the Day meets Call Me By Your Name. Yet, this film is like nothing you have ever seen and is sure to provide a feeling of euphoria for many who see it.
Lilies Not For Me screened at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024
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