By Joy McKay.
The ‘regional premiere’ of A Night Like This was held at Harbour Lights Picturehouse on Monday (15 September), due to director Liam Calvert’s connection to Southampton. Liam studied Film and Television at Solent University before becoming an award winning director of short films.
Working with Writer and Producer Diego Sceratti this was his first time directing a feature. The event was supported by City Eye and featured striking poster design local artist Haven Bear. However, whilst having a local draw this film has already been shown at at BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival plus screenings worldwide and been well received.
As the film started with beautiful reflections of the London city lights on the Thames. With cuts to referencing Christmas, it subtly set the time of year. We meet Lucas (Jack Brett Anderson), troubled, brooding and seeking something. He is soon joined by annoying by Oliver (Alexander Lincoln). I hated him instantly. This is “that guy’, the one you really want to leave you alone in a pub. However he soon also ,somehow, became charming and I found myself wanting Lucas to engage, as I would have (despite myself) wanted to. The film tells the story of these two people meeting accidentally, and what can happen between then and 8am.
We now we engage on a very strange mixture of a buddy/roadtrip/romance film. The incredible David Bradley (a legend who I particularly love from Doctor Who), bringing one of my favourite songs (Country Roads) into play as the golden thread of the film alongside Christmas.
The film is beautifully shot, perfecting framing the story. The story rolls around like a storm. The relationship of Lucas and Oliver, over just one night, is constantly in flux and delivered perfectly by Andeson and Lincoln. I felt it all; I had wishes for them, some of which were granted and some not. Despite meeting in production the chemistry between the leads is clear and it was fun to hear director Calvert tell how he had curtail that in scenes where they had just met.
This film engaged me, delighted me, made me cry. It is skilfully crafted from writer, director, lead actors, supporting cast and crew. Whist it was suggested, during the Q&A, it might be available on DVD in the future I’m hoping for a new Netflix category of “Indie, Queer, Christmas Movies”.
‘A Night Like This’ is on general release from the 26th September at selected Picturehouse and Vue cinemas nationwide.
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