Screening at the 8th edition of the Brighton Rocks International Film Festival on the 21st of June at 7pm as part of our beloved LGBTQIA+ Rocks strand.
With all the look, feel, lustre and panache of a billion-dollar Marvel Universe production, Tom Paul Martin delightfully breaks the mould with the familiar chiselled, handsome characters so beloved by audiences, but with a crucial twist – they are gay!
Where Are All the Gay Superheroes? delivers a compelling examination of power dynamics and queer identity through the superhero lens. The film masterfully uses two heroes’ vulnerability to explore how those in positions of authority navigate authenticity versus self-preservation. Martin’s exploration of how hidden identities become liabilities for those in authority resonates throughout, highlighting the uncomfortable paradox faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who achieve prominence. The performances by Rory Fleck-Byrne and Imran Adams bring nuanced depth to characters caught between public personas and private truths. Rather than offering easy answers, the film confronts the systemic discomfort surrounding queer representation in positions of influence, making it both timely and necessary viewing.
Martin’s dedication to creating an authentic superhero aesthetic is immediately impressive. It’s evident that every element serves to immerse us completely in their world. From the opening scene featuring a blood-thirsty robot to the skin-tight lycra beautifully adorning our tragic lovers, and the brilliant teleportation effects – we are transported into that universe. Kudos must also be given to DOP Carl Pollard for his rich colour palette and the subtle but highly effective highlighting of the superheroes’ unfortunate mortality.
While there is much to engage with in this clever short film, listen carefully to the witty dialogue that takes us on an emotional rollercoaster. There is certainly a tonal shift as the film progresses – the first half boasts playful lines such as “my hair isn’t doing that perfect swoopy thing,” before cleverly descending into a much deeper, more analytical critique of our consumerist capitalist society and its treatment of underrepresented groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community and immigrants. What appears overtly as a quarrel between two lovers about their future is packed with layers of meaning that made me want to watch it repeatedly. Finally, keep your ears open for the delightful array of TV and film references scattered throughout – I counted quite a few gems.
Rocks Festivals Blog 