In Femme (2023), revenge wears lipstick—and sometimes a yellow hoodie. This British queer thriller tells the story of Jules, a drag performer whose life is shattered after a violent homophobic attack. When he unexpectedly crosses paths with one of his attackers, a closeted man named Preston, the line between retribution and romance blurs in a dangerous game of seduction, power, and unspoken truths.
Directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme boldly explores masculinity, desire, and survival in the margins of London’s underground. With striking performances from Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay, the film is as brutal as it is beautiful—an LGBTQ+ revenge story where neither side walks away clean.
Femme Official Trailer
Femme Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Femme |
| Movies Info: | Britain (2022) |
| Length: | 99 minutes |
| Genre: | Horror, Boy's love |
Plot
After suffering a brutal homophobic attack that derails both his drag career and personal identity, Jules—an out-and-proud drag queen—fades into the shadows of queer nightlife. But when he unexpectedly encounters one of his attackers, Preston, in a gay sauna, a twisted game of revenge begins.
Disguised in hyper-masculine attire and suppressing his femme energy, Jules infiltrates Preston’s world, luring the closeted thug into intimacy. What begins as cold, calculated manipulation soon becomes entangled with real emotions, sexual tension, and blurred moral lines. As Preston lets down his guard, both men are forced to confront their identities—and the cost of their lies.
Femme Cast
Charactor
A fierce and witty drag performer who hides his vulnerability behind sequins and shade. After the attack, Jules reinvents himself into a straight-passing persona to seduce and punish one of his attackers. His journey is one of reclaiming power—but at what cost?
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Known for his TV roles in Misfits and Generation, Stewart-Jarrett’s turn in Femme is nothing short of fearless. As a drag queen navigating trauma and desire, he brings gravity, sensuality, and razor-sharp timing. He’s not just a standout performer—he’s an LGBTQ+ ally using his platform to amplify queer narratives.
A closeted, hyper-masculine man trapped in a violent performance of straightness. He’s toxic, manipulative, and deeply wounded. Preston’s descent from predator to prey, from controller to controlled, is harrowing to watch—and deeply human.
George MacKay
Previously acclaimed for his role in 1917, MacKay’s performance in Femme is a bold departure into queer cinema. He portrays Preston with a haunting combination of brute force and tender confusion, embodying the contradictions of toxic masculinity. Femme may well cement him as a daring actor willing to take risks in queer-centered stories.
Director
Sam H. Freeman & Ng Choon Ping
Sam H. Freeman comes from a screenwriting background in British television, while Ng Choon Ping is an accomplished theatre director who has worked with the National Theatre and the Royal Court. Together, they bring a unique blend of cinematic and theatrical sensibilities, with a strong interest in queer narratives, power dynamics, and emotionally complex characters.
MOVIE HIGHLIGHT
One of 2024’s most daring queer films—intertwining drag, desire, and revenge
Breakout dramatic performance by George MacKay, previously known for 1917
Visually stunning use of color, especially contrasting neon and shadows
Femme is a gripping blend of psychological drama and erotic thriller—somewhere between Beach Rats and The Talented Mr. Ripley
Femme Review
Review
⭐ Story – 4.5 / 5
Femme is more than just a revenge thriller—it’s a sharp social commentary on internalized homophobia, toxic masculinity, and the emotional toll of survival. The plot plays out like a psychological chess match: Jules and Preston are not just adversaries, they’re mirrors of each other. Their dynamic touches on femmephobia, shame, desire, and the impossible boundaries between vengeance and affection. The narrative unravels with nuance and tension, making every interaction feel like a ticking bomb.
⭐ Acting – 5.0 / 5
George MacKay (Preston) delivers a transformative, layered performance—oscillating between violent denial and gut-wrenching vulnerability. His final scenes are some of the most emotionally raw we’ve seen in recent queer cinema. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Jules) is equally mesmerizing, seamlessly shifting from campy drag diva to calculating avenger to heartbroken lover. Their chemistry is electric, and their performances are what elevate Femme from good to unforgettable.
⭐ Chemistry – 4.5 / 5
The tension between Jules and Preston isn’t just sexual—it’s psychological warfare. Their push-pull dynamic is saturated with repression, rage, and reluctant tenderness. From sauna hook-ups to showdown confrontations, their scenes crackle with emotional danger. You’re never quite sure whether they’ll kiss or kill each other, and that’s the brilliance of it.
⭐ Production – 4.5 / 5
Visually, Femme is striking. Neon-drenched club scenes, grimy street corners, and moody interiors all build a stylized world of queer nightlife and urban isolation. The lighting—particularly the interplay of deep blues and sickly yellows—becomes a symbolic language of secrecy and exposure. The score underscores every beat of seduction, fear, and heartbreak.
⭐ Ending – 4.0 / 5
The film ends with emotional devastation and unanswered questions. Revenge may be complete, but no one wins. Jules walks into the sunrise bloodied but dignified, while Preston curls up in emotional ruin. The ambiguous finale is haunting—leaving viewers asking: can love survive in the wreckage of pain? And is revenge ever truly satisfying?
Femme Information
Awards
Nominated – Best Feature, Teddy Award
73rd Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)Nominated – Best British Independent Film
26th British Independent Film Awards (BIFA)Nominated – Best Screenplay
34th Gotham Independent Film Awards
Where to Watch
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