Beautiful Thing, a heartbreakingly human film, was made in 1996 and directed by Hettie Macdonald (Normal People). Beautiful Thing brings to the plate a seemingly never ending course of strong, entertaining characters. Featuring a blossoming teen love between Jamie (Glen Barry) and Steven “Stu” (Scott Neal) a palpable chemistry shines through the scenes, leaving someone with no choice but to root for these lost teens trying to find their way through life together.
Not only does this movie portray the struggle of finding sexuality in teen years to a T, and encapsulating the fear of coming out (a fear still fervently relevant today), it did it at a time where such a message was dirty, or not needed to be seen on the big screen. This movie pushed forward a message anyone in the LGBTQ+ community can find a home in, from 1996 all the way to present day.
With a soundtrack featuring Cass Elliot, fully encapsulating a 90’s teenage nostalgia lost long ago. This film will fly bye, leaving you to only wish you could hear “Make your own kind of music” one more time.
With a stunning performance from Jamie’s mother Sandra (Linda Henry) The relationship between her and her son only physicalizes, in my opinion the core thesis of the film; it’s messy, it’s certainly not perfect, but love somehow conquers all. A message that is undeniably becoming more and more relevant in the current climate of our world.
“Stu: And are ya?
Jamie: Queer?
Stu: Gay.
Jamie: Very happy. I’m happy when I’m with you…”
A overall simple conversation but undeniably sweet, one that has stuck with me over many rewatches. depicting the simple idea that happiness of an individual is what truly matters in the centuries long argument on sexuality.
Finishing this movie, you can only feel that special feeling, the youthful feeling that makes you giddy with laughter, accompanied by a stomach full of butterflies. I’d recommend this movie to anybody as there’s a lesson for every single type of person within this film.
