Film Review – Departures (2025)

      Departures, 2025.

      Directed by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely.

      Featuring Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, David Tag, Liam Boyle, Tyler Conti, Lorraine Stanley, and Kerry Howard.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Benji meets Jake at an airport gate, feeling an attraction. Their relationship blossoms through trips to Amsterdam and moments of intimacy, revealing intricate power dynamics.

      Offering an honest portrayal of gay romance and sexuality in contemporary society, Departures presents a heartfelt, empathetic, and often humorous interpretation of the relationship comedy-drama. The film centers on the complicated love lives of Benji (Eyre-Morgan) and Jake (David Tag), with a well-crafted script by one of its stars and co-directors, Lloyd Eyre-Morgan. It examines the themes of passion and obsession with unflinching honesty. The film masterfully balances dark comedic elements with genuine sympathy for the characters, making the audience care about their journeys and motivations.

      Creating a character's life that feels authentic on screen can be challenging, yet Eyre-Morgan achieves this; Benji’s internal monologues and his actions resonate with truth. Likewise, even when Jake is off-screen, adhering to the unspoken rule of no inquiries about his personal life, it's evident that his life continues. They are depicted as real individuals grappling with genuine challenges and insecurities.

      The narrative opens with Benji contemplating the reality of ending his relationship with Jake, taking us back to the starting point: an airport in Amsterdam. This ties in with the “departures” theme of the title, as the city’s travel hub is where the couple frequently met. While the city’s canals, cafes, and bars are beautifully showcased, most of their encounters occur in hotel rooms. The plot also revisits Benji's former partners and delves into their youthful years, offering insight into how they evolved into the men they are today.

      At its essence, the film questions Jake's motivations—whether he is solely interested in sex or seeking something deeper, as well as the complexity of his truthfulness. Departures does not shy away from illustrating the toxicity of this relationship; while Jake defines its terms, he simultaneously restricts himself, leaving him grappling with confusion and anger about his identity. The film successfully intertwines these heavy themes with an adventurous spirit of growth and self-discovery that is both uplifting and melancholic.

      Emotionally astute and bolstered by two outstanding lead performances, the film also benefits from strong support from its cast, including Benji’s sardonic mother (Lorraine Stanley). Throughout its 82-minute runtime, Departures effectively portrays the impact of early experiences, the various pressures of our surroundings, and an exploration of personal mental states. With its heartfelt emotions, authentic break-ups, and delightful moments, this is a film destined to be cherished by the gay community and beyond.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert W. Monk