Departures: Indie LGBTQ+ sensation hits UK cinemas
“Departures isn’t just one of the best gay movies of the year so far; it’s one of the most insightful"
Today (14/04), across the UK, the eagerly awaited LGBTQ+ drama "Departures" drops in cinemas - and it promises to offer a fresh, deeply authentic, portrayal of modern queer life.
Directed by the dynamic duo Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of a relationship influenced by real experiences.
It's been described as a darkly comic and emotionally charged journey, with the story following Benji and Jake, whose relationship evolves through secret trips to Amsterdam before unraveling into a complex tale of heartbreak and addiction.
Critics have praised the film for its raw honesty and comedic timing, drawing comparisons to "Shirley Valentine" meets LGBTQ "Trainspotting" - and its co-directors have been telling Hits Radio Pride all about it.
Lloyd Eyre Morgan said: "It all started when I came to Neil with the idea, that I wanted to make this film, and I also wanted to be in it - and at the time, he told me no!
"I had to convince him otherwise - and had to audition to be in it! But from there, it became a bit of a therapeutic writing process - there's a lot of our lived experiences in there.
"It's our truth being gay, and what's unique about the film is that it's got a lot of comedy which has been injected into it.
"Departures is very self-reflective, and almost looks at dark with light - which I know a lot of northerners like to do!
"Yes, we've got heavy subject matters, but I don't think it comes across as yet another depressing queer film, which I think is really important."
Neil Ely added: "What was really nice about Departures was also what was really frustrating about it, in a way.
"We didn't have a big pot of money, so the whole thing was spread over a long period of time.
"Throughout that eight months of filming, although that was stressful, there was also a really nice part of it, where it got to change, adapt, and develop over that time.
"It was really organic to make, and what we've seen so far is some really great reviews on the festival circuit from some amazing, well respected creatives who've all got on-board with it.
"To have so many icons in the LGBTQ+ communities really invested into it really is amazing.
"And the whole thing has been just so unique, especially as we look at the independent cinema scene at the moment.
"It's really difficult to get a cinema release, especially on our 'breadline budget' which was well below £250,000 - we ate beans on toast during most of the filming!
"It's mind-blowing to see it make its way to venues not only in the UK, but Europe and Canada, too."
And if you need any more convincing to watch it - the pair tell us why it's worth getting down to your local cinema.
They said: "Come to watch it for the credits!
"It was the best part to film - and it's well worth your time making it all the way to the end... and that's all we can say."
Having premiered at BFI Flare, the film's raw honesty has proven to connect with critics.
Departures has received high acclaim from the likes of CineramaFilm, Shadows on the Wall, and huge industry figures including Russell T Davies and Russell Tovey.
Lloyd reflected: "When we started making Departures, we had no idea about how intense it is making a film on your own, without a studio behind you.
"It's been a crazy, rollercoaster experience.
"We had no idea where it was going to end, and that was the nice thing about this - there wasn't any pressure throughout the entire process."
Neil added: "This has taught us endurance and resilience.
"There was a time when I had to go and live at Lloyd's because there as no gas and electric at my home - and at that point, it really made us take a look at ourselves, and what we were doing.
"But in those moments, at our low point, the other was empowered and full of energy.
"We lifted each other up, it was a test of endurance... and I think we passed it."
You can check out more about where to catch the film here.