Queerguru’s Ris Fatah reviews ‘DEPARTURES’ takes a deep, brutal dive into the causes and effects of a toxic queer romantic relationship

Toxic relationships seem to be on the rise, whether romantic, friendship or employer relationships, or maybe we are just better at identifying toxicity these days. Departures, a fantastic new UK indie comedy-drama based in Manchester, takes a deep, brutal dive into the causes and effects of a toxic queer romantic relationship between charity worker Benji (Lloyd Eyre-Morgan) and personal trainer to footballers, Jake (David Tag – Hollyoaks).

Benji meets fit, handsome Jake in a bar at an airport when their flight to Amsterdam is canceled. Jake oozes big-dick energy. Flattered by Jake’s attention, Benji hangs out with Jake when they eventually get to Amsterdam and falls for him, even though he’s unaware of Jake’s sexuality. Jake is physically and mentally intense. They have a boozy night out in Amsterdam, after which Jake hires a female prostitute and asks Benji to watch. The two men later have rough sex with each other, with Jake a dom top. This ends with Jake telling Benji to ‘Get off me you faggot!’ Jake then relents and suggests they have a monthly trip together to Amsterdam. Jake cuts short any conversations about his sexuality, preferring no labels.

So far, so confusing for Benji. This is, however, just the beginning of an eighteen-month cycle of beautiful romantic moments, abuse and repent, messy break-ups and fraught reconciliations for the two men, with a weird power dynamic prevailing. Where is all this toxicity and chaos heading?

Based on true stories experienced by the directors, Departures is a sparky British production that’s likely to become a classic. Directors Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely have self-funded the film’s production with a few others – a rare example of working-class film-making – and have created a fast-paced, quick-witted, raw, very current and relevant piece of work. Tag is brilliant as the angry, toxic, macho, testosterone-fuelled Jake, perfectly complementing Eyre-Morgan’s softer, more vulnerable Benji. Truth be told, both men are vulnerable. The film is an important analysis of the causes – abuse, addiction, self-esteem issues and others – behind toxicity and the behaviours of both victim and perpetrator. The cycle of abuse is paramount. The rest of the cast, a mix of established actors and newcomers, gel well. Lorraine Stanley (Eastenders), in particular, gives a brilliant supporting performance as Benji’s bold, tough-talking but loving mother who’s trying to support him through the mess. There’s an intensity to the film that’s broken up with funny moments, but the seriousness of the subject-matter prevails. The script is excellent – the English language at its best, a very British combination of banter, candidness, fuck-ups, innuendo, quick-witted observations and sharp put-downs. There’s humour in the darkest moments. It’s a queer story but anyone who’s ever dealt with any kind of toxic relationship will be able to relate to it. Messy and real, love and loss. Highly recommended.

 

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah