175
Critic:
Jason Knight
|
Posted on:
Sep 3, 2026

Directed by:
Kasra Karimi
Written by:
Kasra Karimi
Starring:
Suzanna Hamilton, Lizzy McInnerny, Francesca Zoutewelle, Mark Edel-Hunt
A short, poignant drama inspired by true events, written and directed by Kasra Karimi and starring Suzanna Hamilton, Lizzy McInnerny, Francesca Zoutewelle and Mark Edel-Hunt.
Juliet (Hamilton) has lung cancer. She has been in a romantic relationship with Ruth (McInnerny) that they have kept secret from loved ones. The year is 2013 and the British govenrnment is considering the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Aware of this, Juliet and Ruth announce to their relatives that they want to get married before Juliet passes away.
Right from the start, this film makes it clear that it is going to be a heavy viewing, opening with a scene where Juliet poignantly shaves her hair off, while Ruth watches her in sadness. What follows is a great deal of drama, with Juliet undergoing treatment with her partner by her side, while eargerly awaiting for the law enabling same-sex marriage to come into effect. Meanwhile, their decision to marry, especially under such circumstances, creates tension in the family, particularly between Ruth's daughter (Zoutewelle) and son (Edel-Hunt). Confrontations, sadness and comfort ensue and the atmosphere is significantly supported by Alan Snelling's dramatic music.
The narrative could be described as a combinations between a romance, a family drama and a political thriller, with archival footage throughout of same-sex marriage legalisation being debated by politicians. Karimi directs beautifully, creating wonderful shots that are aided by Arushi Chugh's cinematography.
Hamilton and McInnerny deserve great praise for their performances. Hamilton is very moving as a woman battling lung cancer, who hopes to live long enough to marry her partner. McInnerny is just as emotional as a person who is doing her best to support her ill partner and (like Juliet) desperately wants to become marry her. Zoutewelle plays Ruth's understanding daughter, while Edel-Hunt portrays the son who does not understand the situation between his mother and Juliet and therefore is uncomfortable with it.
Deep themes are explored here, terminal illness being one, predominantly how it affects the sufferer and those who care for them. Another major subject is same-sex marriage, how it brings joy but also how it is condemned by those who disagree with its legalisation. Moreover, this short involves courage, support, equal rights and the determination to achieve one's dreams.
A film that utilises same-sex marriage and terminal illness in order to tell a heartbreaking but beautiful story. A main message appears to be that making same-gender marriage legal brings happiness.
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