Favouring the instant gratification of anonymous sexual encounters over an emotional romantic connection, Sequin finds himself in allured into a sex party that has dangerous consequences. Marking the directorial debut of Samuel Van Grinsven and introducing Conor Leach in the lead role, Sequin in a Blue Room - billed as "a homosexual film" - is every bit as wonderfully stylish as it is genuinely compelling.
An evocative and provocative picture laced with suspense and presented in a stylish manner, Sequin in a Blue Room acts as a cautionary tale and character study without ever coming across as exploitative or condescending. Penned by Van Grinsven, Sequin's screenplay may not feature the most inventive writing or plot but manages to successfully offer a new perspective by analysing hook-up culture in an insightful and illuminating way. By smartly eschewing a critical tone, it looks at Sequin's situation with sympathy, helped by the utilisation of a handful of coming-of-age tropes which connect us with the character on a more profound level and helps us to understand his mindset and behaviour more compassionately.
A stylish directorial debut that explores both the allure and danger of gay hook-up culture in the digital age, Grinsven operates with refreshing confidence in his debut effort. Framed by Jay Grant's dazzling cinematography, Grinsven strong sensibilities create an almost hypnotic visual and environment while simultaneously understanding the importance of avoiding the glamorisation that could come with a story driven by lust with a pretty aesthetic. Matched with a terrific score and layered sound design, not to mention the ingeniously creative way that tech is brought into the film visually, this is an extremely assured feature from somebody just now setting out on a career in film.
Similarly, Sequin in a Blue Room is a tremendous introduction to Conor Leach, who delivers a thoughtful performance of a somewhat problematic character navigating sexuality in the modern era. While Sequin can seem like a dismissive and highly-strung individual on the surface, Leach infuses a real sense of vulnerability into the character that speaks volumes about the way in which the gay community typically favours flings to romance, using emotional disconnect as a form of protection. With a fresh-to-the-screen vitality, Leach announces himself as a strong new talent in this leading outing and handles the often dark content with real care and consideration.
An evocative and provocative picture laced with suspense, Sequin in a Blue Room dazzles despite its dark subject matter. With strong new talent on display, a refreshing perspective and well-executed craft elements, Samuel Van Grinsven's directorial debut is a memorable piece of filmmaking that zips through its 80 minute runtime due to spritely pacing and engaging story handled with sensitivity. Not only one of the best LGBT films of the year, Sequin in a Blue Room is one of the most promising directorial debuts in some time.
Sequin in a Blue Room is released via Peccadillo Pictures on UK/Ireland digital platforms from 9th April. The film is released in the US & Scandinavia from 17th May.