Lilies Not for Me is a 2024 period drama film written and directed by Will Seefried. The film premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August 2024 and is scheduled for release in France on March 12, 2025. It will be available in North America via Gravitas Ventures in April 2025.
Plot Overview
Set in 1920s England, the film follows Owen James (Fionn O’Shea). An aspiring novelist admitted to a medical facility that claims to “cure” homosexual tendencies through experimental procedures. Under the care of Nurse Dorothy (Erin Kellyman). Owen participates in prescribed daily teatime sessions meant to prepare him for a so-called “normal” heterosexual life. Through flashbacks, Owen’s backstory unfolds, revealing a clandestine affair with Philip (Robert Aramayo) and the traumatic consequences of a risky. Unproven practice that promised to suppress same-sex desire.
Historical Context
The film draws from real historical practices in early 20th-century Britain. Where homosexuality was criminalized and considered a medical condition. The narrative incorporates the controversial and now-debunked practice of testicular transplants as a supposed cure for homosexuality. Reflecting the era’s oppressive attitudes towards queer individuals.
Critical Reception
Lilies Not for Me has been praised for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances. Critics have highlighted the film’s ability to capture the emotional toll of forcing individuals to hide their authentic selves. Jack Walters of Loud and Clear Reviews described it as “a gut-wrenching drama that revisits a neglected. Dark period in queer history through the hazy lens of a complex love triangle.”
Cast and Crew
- Director/Writer: Will Seefried
- Producers: Émilie Georges, Naima Abed, Hannes Otto, Roelof Storm, Will Seefried
- Cinematography: Cory Fraiman-Lott
- Editing: Julia Bloch
- Music: Theodosia Roussos
- Cast:
- Fionn O’Shea as Owen James
- Robert Aramayo as Philip
- Erin Kellyman as Nurse Dorothy
- Louis Hofmann as Charles
- Jodi Balfour
- Fionn O’Shea as Owen James
Where to Watch
For viewers interested in watching Lilies Not for Me. The film is scheduled for release in France on March 12, 2025. And will be available in North America via Gravitas Ventures in April 2025. To access this and other French films. Consider visiting https://frenchiptv.shop/, a service offering a wide range of French IPTV content.
Conclusion
Lilies Not for Me stands as a significant contribution to queer cinema, shedding light on a dark chapter of LGBTQ+ history. Through its compelling narrative and authentic portrayal of historical events. The film invites audiences to reflect on past injustices and the resilience of those who endured them.
