Top Shagger

A short comedy drama written and directed by Ken Abalos, Ash Meshkati and starring Ewan Guthrie, Kelsey Cooke and Paul Casar.

Shot over a period of two days in East London, this film follows teenager Jack (Guthrie), who has his birthday and his father (Casar), who is separated from his son's mother, has a surprise for him: he is taking him to a brotherl so he can lose his virginity. There, they are introduced to Megan (Cooke), a sex worker who will be showing Jack a good time, while his dad has his own fun with another one. However, once Jack and Megan are alone in a room and on a bed, Jack panics when the big moment arrives, leading to a meeting that goes very differently than planned.

A father-and-son story and an encounter for intercourse that unexpectedly turns into something more meaningful and life-changing. There are laughs and there is serious drama as Jack and Megan develop a rapport about his issues, his struggles with romantic relationships and his relationship with his father and involving Megan's view regarding her life.

Guthrie delivers the most entertaining performance as an insecure, nervous and virginal teen who evidently need help in comprehending himself and those around him. Casar's character comes across as confident and knowledgeable man, although it is later revealed that he too has insecurities and worries. Cooke plays a rather interesting part, that of a sex worker who turns out to be a rather wise individual who possesses a deep understanding about how the world works and ends up acting as a sort of mentor for Jack.

From one perspective, this short explores the world of sex workers and via Guthrie's character, it recognises the significance of support, of understanding others and helping them with their problems. This film is supported by Progressive Masculinity, which is an organisation that reshapes the understanding of masculinity to boys and men and the themes involving masculinity are primarily associated with the Jack character, those being self-esteem, self-reflection and intercourse. Through Casar's character, the film also examines parenting.

An encounter that ends up changing people's lives for the better. An uplifting story that also offers some good laughs.