Like It Is (1998)

In the gritty heart of Blackpool, Craig thrives on the raw energy of bare-knuckle club fighting, his fists serving as his escape from a truth he struggles to accept: he's gay. His life takes an unexpected turn on the pulsating doorstep of a dance club, where he collides with the world of Matt, a Londoner entangled in the complex web spun by Kelvin, an enterprising yet dubious music producer. Sharing his life in the city's underbelly is Paula Poptart, a singer and Matt's flatmate, her voice echoed in the hollows of her insecurities and needy performances. Paula's emotional whirlwinds and Matt's unexpressed feelings add a layer of complexity to their friendship. When Craig migrates to London, drawn by an irresistible pull towards Matt, the harmony of their lives is disrupted. Matt, no stranger to fleeting encounters, finds himself on unfamiliar ground as he grapples with emotions he's never felt before. London becomes a battleground of conflicting desires and dreams. Matt nurses his ambition of opening a rock club, all the while dancing on the strings pulled by Kelvin's ruthless demands. Craig, out of his depth in the sprawling city, struggles to find a foothold in a world far removed from his fighting ring. Their relationship, freshly minted and yet so precious, teeters on the edge, threatened by their personal issues and the discordance of their lives. Like It Is provides a raw and riveting exploration of love and identity, set against the backdrop of England's gritty underground scene. This tale of a tough-as-nails boxer and a dreamer music producer is a poignant journey, underlining that the fight for love can be harder than the harshest battles in the ring.

Like It Is is a drama movie featuring Steve Bell and directed by Paul Oremland.

Like It Is is currently streaming on fuboTV.