Originally published on www.differentscene.co.uk
Re-wind back to 1996 and the laws were completely different for gay people in the United Kingdom, Section 28 still existed which prevented the ‘promotion’ or ‘teaching’ of homosexuality, meaning the discussion of gay relationships in schools weren’t allowed, and the legal age for gay sex was eighteen year old, two years older than that of straight people.
But amongst all this one film emerged in 1996, Beautiful Thing.
The film, which initially started life as a play back in 1993 focused on the developing relationship between two teenage boys living on a working class estate in South East London, as they both come to terms with the fact that they are gay.
The film truly is magical as it focuses on Jamie and Ste, as they gradually realise that they are both gay and ultimately from what you can see as a viewer, fall in love. The film doesn’t concentrate on copious amounts sex, clubbing or drug taking which would later emerge in hard hitting controversial programmes such as Queer as Folk and Sugar Rush, but is instead a truly beautiful coming of age story for these two boys, which young gay boys can resonate with at some point or another.
Beautiful thing is driven by some brilliant performances, most notably Linda Henry’s (Shirley from Eastenders) performance as Sandra, Jamie’s mother, as she realises her son is gay and as she comically points out “will never have grandchildren.” Here instead of seeing a mother worry or cry over the thought of having a gay son, she truly embraces him, sending out the message to young gay boys all around that it is ok to be gay.
As the film progresses we finally get to the true realisation at the end of the film (which I won’t spoil) between the two boys, and as Mama Cass sings you out, the film and this final scene, truly is a beautiful thing.
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