Beautiful Thing (1996)

In the sweltering heat of a South-East London housing estate, a unique love story unfolds, etched against the harsh cityscape and the struggles of adolescence. Jamie, a reticent teenager with an aversion to football and school, finds himself ensnared in the rhythmic humdrum of life. Yet, his world collides with Ste's, a more popular but tormented lad who, despite his athletic prowess, is the constant target of his father and elder brother's wrath. An unexpected bond forms when an episode of violence at Ste's home leads him to seek refuge in Jamie's house, under the compassionate watch of Sandra, Jamie's mother. As they share a bed, 'top-and-tail,' a tender relationship blossoms from fleeting glances to an undeniable love, beautifully captured and celebrated as the film progresses. This poignant narrative delves into their journey of self-discovery and acceptance of their sexuality, while coping with the fear of potential repercussion from Ste's volatile family and the judgement of society. It explores their shared experience of bullying, which, rather than pulling them apart, forges an even stronger bond between them. Alongside their story, Sandra's dreams of escaping the estate to manage her own pub, and her blooming relationship with her hippy boyfriend Tony, add a complexity and richness to the plot. Leah, the brassy, expelled schoolgirl next door with a penchant for Mama Cass records and psychedelic trips, punctuates the narrative with her colourful presence. 'Beautiful Thing' is a tenderly woven tale of love, adolescence, and resilience, set against a backdrop of societal challenges and personal dreams. It encapsulates the rapturous joy of first love and the courageous act of embracing one's true self.

Beautiful Thing is a comedy movie featuring Linda Henry and directed by Hettie Macdonald.

It is possible to buy Beautiful Thing on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.