Directed by Sara Harrak and written by co-leading actress Meg Salter, what exactly are the rules in an open relationship? With no rulebook, it’s down to the couple to draw their lines. So, when Dani (Rosalind Eleazar) tells Jess (Salter) she might be interested in sleeping with guys again, it doesn’t go down too well. Also starring Sally O’Leary.
First off, for a film that takes place in a local shop, you would never expect it to look this good. Not only does Sara Harrak use that everyday, public setting to her advantage, she ensures that it’s not getting trapped in the mundanity. Instead what she, alongside cinematographer Ruth Woodside, captures is this wonderful, neon-tinged colour palette which effortlessly enhances the aesthetic. It’s a supremely clever choice of style in the sense that it blends perfectly with the topics of sexuality, romance and curiosity.
The way that F**ked moves has a similar effect, the editing work by Rob Platt, working with the different framing and angle choices from Harrak, gives the feeling of a modern sharpness and quick-witted air. Each element is intertwined and working on the same page, because those choices are then nicely reflecting the personas of the film’s leading ladies, Dani and Jess. They’re smart, funny and cheeky women, having the perfect lesbian argument which can be anywhere from flirtatious to passive aggressive to overtly vulnerable or insecure.
That’s one of the great things about Salter’s writing, it captures all of these layered nuances about sexuality, fluidity, identity but they’re wrapped in this highly relatable and down to earth package. The humour and vulnerability balance the larger themes. There is definitely a discussion to be had about re-awakening or suddenly emerging desires within the lesbian community, as well as how those new curiosities can change someone’s view of their partner but that’s for the audience to delve into once the credits roll.
The focus here is on this loving, banter-filled and sweet relationship, giving itself the best of both worlds, dipping its toes into that wider pond while concentrating on its characters. Who are brought to life excellently by Salter and Rosalind Eleazar, giving viewers a bubbly, intimate and feisty atmosphere. Their chemistry is fantastic, they have very different personalities but they gel together really well.
They’re both extremely charming, and they bring through a great tension that moves between joking and genuine. Watching them together is utterly enjoyable and then the cherry on top is a nice big dose of awkwardness from Sally O’Leary’s performance which is right on the money and pushes the comedy notes even further.
F**ked is exactly what we need more of today, funny and relatable while being relevant. Meg Salter and Rosalind Eleazar are a joy to watch and bring tonnes of personality into the mix. Every aspect of the film is well thought out and working in sync. The writing is lovably entertaining and only leaves you wanting more, while the direction is stylish and impressively elevates the setting to compliment the script. Lesbian relationships make for brilliant comedy and hopefully we’ll start seeing more films and television shows that follow these filmmakers’ lead.
Verdict: ✯✯✯✯✯ | 10/10
Winner of Best British Short & Best British Performance in a Female Role at Iris Prize 2023 – Next screening at Aesthetica Short Film Festival taking place 8th to 12th November
FilmCarnage.com 