The story: Get Real follows the fate and fortunes of a group of teenagers as they pick their way through the minefield of adolescence. Sixteen year old Steven Carter is finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile life at school with the pressure of his parents' aspirations and his own inner state of hormonal overdrive. There's one thing Steven is completely reconciled to, however: he's gay and has known it for years. His only confidante in such matters of the heart is Linda, the girl next door, currently on her 48th driving lesson in the hopes of one day getting her way with driving instructor Bob.

While Steven spends his life at home telling his parents what they want to hear, school is the setting for romance and intrigue. Steven's best friend Mark is trying to win the attention of Wendy, the feisty new editor of the school magazine. Meanwhile, Wendy's best friend Jessica is trying to avoid the attention of her ex-boyfriend Kevin. She's still wounded by their recent break-up, and when Steven offers a sympathetic shoulder, she takes it as a promise of more to come.

The centre of attention for the entire student body is John Dixon, sporting superstar, academic achiever and all-around dreamboat. John's life comes complete with an assured place at his father's old Oxford college and the enviable accessory of local "supermodel" Christina Lindmann. Such accomplishments make him the idol of one half of the school and an object of desire for the other half - including Steven.

Steven's fortunes take an unexpected turn when he discovers that his feelings for John are returned. But while Steven wants to shout their love from the rooftops, John insists on keeping it firmly in the closet.

At the end of term prize-giving ceremony, where John is to be honored for his sporting prowess and Steven is to receive an award for his essay on "growing up as we approach the new millennium" the time for intrigue and evasion comes abruptly to an end. It's time to get real, and Steven becomes the conscience of them all.

Our thoughts: Personally I enjoyed the film tremendously. based on the stage play What's wrong with Angry", the script is nice and tight and the cast is superb. Ben Silverstone portrayal as the tortured yet defiant Stephen is very believable. His Fag Hag girlfriend Linda (Charlotte Brittain) gets the best lines and Brad Gorton as school hunk John Dixon gets our vote.

The portrayal of a young gay man growing up in suburbia shows how restricting life can be compared to coming out in a larger city. With no local gay pubs and give that Stephen is under age, he is obliged to cottage in the local park which is depressing.

The bullying at school rings true and brings back painful memories. Fortunately those days are long gone.

The film's message is that gay men often don't have a problem with being gay themselves it is having to deal with societies prejudices against homosexuality. This is brought home when Steven's gives his speech at prize day. He comes out as gay to the whole school and pleads with other parents to accept their kids if they are gay, and to other gay kids to come out and stop being afraid. Enough to bring a tear to anyone's eye.

Comparisons will be made with Beautiful Thing and the more recent Queer as Folk series. The ending isn't quite as rose tinted as Beautiful Thing and there are no explicit sex scenes as in Queer as Folk. There are similarites in each case, under age sex, coming out, references to Doctor Who. Obviously Doctor Who must has a huge gay fan base. There is also a very good soundtrack to the film.

The film currently has a limited release around London. If you get a chance, go and see it.

Official web sites
Click here for the Official UK web site.
Click here for the Official US Web site.

London's cinemas and theatres
Click here for an A-Z London Cinemas.
Click here for an A-Z London Theatres.

Related Links
Click here for our Queer As Folk Special.