Created by a collective of working-class LGBTQ+ filmmakers from the north of the UK, Departures is a unique piece of queer cinema. Directed by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, they channel the lively energy of Trainspotting with the devastating reality of toxic relationships queer folk can end up in.
The film opens up on the end of a relationship, with Benji (Eyre-Morgan) at the receiving end of fiery remarks from now-ex-partner Jake (David Tag). But as Benji points out, “They say the best way to move forward is to go back”. Departures flits between timelines, with current-day Benji replaying moments from his time with Jake whilst also going into the backstories for himself and Jake. Benji, having a difficult time growing up as a gay man in Manchester, falls for the muscular heartthrob Jake after meeting at an airport. They soon enter an agreement: Jake will fly Benji out every month to Amsterdam to use for sex if they keep things quiet. As Benji explains to us, it doesn't take long for the situation-ship to turn sour.
Jumping around time works for the most part—occasionally, the flow and pacing of the overall narrative drop—but it's the moment-to-moment action that shines here. From the first scene, Departures swaggers with confidence in its tone and delivery. The funny dialogue, even funnier line delivery, frenetic editing and playful direction create many laugh-out-loud moments. Split-screen, voiceover, on-screen graphics, and even a musical number are utilised for comedic and narrative effect. A particular line from EastEnders legend Lorraine Stanley is destined to become a killer meme.
What elevates Departures from being just a solid comedy is how deftly it's balanced with drama. This is a supremely tragic story. Dealing with a toxic relationship is universal, but the queer spin introduces so many new layers, particularly for audiences belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Benji keeps throwing himself onto Jake even though he knows he's not receiving any real love back, and Jake's toxic masculinity prevents him from exploring his own queerness and turns him into a dangerous man.
Eyre-Morgan brings natural authenticity to Benji (the story is partially inspired by his own similar experiences) and Hollyoaks fans will never have seen Tag in such an adventurous and convincing performance. The soap stars don't stop with Stanley and Tag, as Kerry Howard and Tyler Conti also make their mark in small but memorable roles. Departures is a great showcase not just for Northern talent, but for the adaptability of treasured soap stars too.
Hilarious, witty, and tragic in equal measures, Departures is a wildly engrossing feature debut. In between the laughs is an uncomfortable dive into the harsh realities for queer folk, but audiences will be left with a feeling of love and hope. After a run at BFI Flare Festival, here's hoping the film gets a much-deserved wide release.
Departures screened at the BFI Flare festival.
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