17. Cicada; movie review

CICADA

Cert 15

97 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong sex, sex references, language, child sexual abuse references

I can't recall braver film-making than that of Matthew Fifer in his movie, Cicada.

He wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in the film in which he relives the unburdening of a dark  childhood secret.

Some may find his autobiographical picture slow going but it has a heck of a kick in the tail.

Fifer's character Ben is portrayed as something of a wanderer, drifting through one-night stands with club and even work pick-ups.

Indeed, he can't even seem to decide whether he prefers guys or gals.

This changes when he meets Sam, an empathetic African American who has yet to come out publicly.

The movie follows their developing love and the hurdles they have to overcome, partly between each other and partly because of outside influences.

Initially, it appears that Sam has greater obstacles because he already faces racial prejudice and is potentially set to endure homophobia too.

However, it then transpires that Matthew trumps him by having to address the painful secret which has hung over him since he was a young boy.

Only Sam has given him the confidence to consider tackling his demons but, as Fifer and Kieran Mulcare's film deftly demonstrates, courage is still very hard to find.

It is worth persevering with Cicada because of what emerges in a conclusion which gives context to much of what has gone before and underlines why this is such a daring piece of work.

Reasons to watch: Brave and daring film-making

Reasons to avoid: Takes a while to find its pace

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? Two months going into initial talks about the film, Sheldon Brown was the victim of a drive-by shooting in Chicago. Ben Fifer waited until he recovered before making the movie.

The final word. Matthew Fifer: "Some days it was incredibly difficult. I remember towards the end I really couldn't get through a scene. I had done so much work healing, building myself up, I couldn't take those walls down, especially in front of 20 other people who I was still getting to know." People

 

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