Film Synopsis of “Femme” → The film follows Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) who is targeted in a horrific homophobic attack, destroying his life & career. Sometime after the traumatic event, he encounters Preston (George McKay), one of his brutal attackers at a local gay sauna …Jules wants revenge – but does he get it or something unexpected? 

The Gruesome Gay Bashing of Femme Jules

      It’s never easy to witness violent acts, let alone on a huge movie screen. It can shatter our hearts and ruin our souls. However, we must acknowledge that situations like these never have to happen, but both parties were partly to blame. Jules and Preston were provoked, and the altercation could have been avoided if one had de-escalated the situation. We live in a society where even if we do everything right, innocent people can still get hurt, and we must take responsibility for our actions.  Let’s make a conscious effort to be the change we wish to see in the world and choose peace over violence.

Dominance Over Submission

      Couples who love sadomastic behavior need a severe mental check! It baffles me …even if it is role-playing to “enhance” their sex life or relationship overall. Preston was the dominating type in the arrangement that he had with Jules, and as the film progressed, we can see that Jules is having quite the effect on Preston; it’s difficult for me to explain, but in short terms, Preston is becoming more gentle and protective of the Femme Jules and its like they are friends with benefits …WITH feelings as well, if that makes sense to you. Jules is submissive & without realizing it Preston shows him how to be him in and out of the bedroom – and that’s dominant right back!

When Your Conscience Takes Over

      When I watched the trailer for this film, Femme, I thought I had the entire plotline figured out, and I was mostly correct. The film astonished me with roughly 10% of its content, which I did not anticipate. I disapprove when indie films end abruptly or fade to black. Jules seeks revenge against Preston for the savage attack he suffered at the beginning of the film. Jules has all the evidence he needs to unmask Preston’s true nature. I think he utilizes it earlier in the movie or later. Or did his emotions for Preston or Femme Preston overtake his desire for revenge? What do you think?” Can your heart override what your brain is telling you to do? 

Preston OR Femme Preston

     In a society where many individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ may feel pressure to hide their true selves, it takes courage to be true to oneself. Same-sex couples may face discrimination and violence due to societal norms that prioritize heterosexual relationships. Despite this, it is important to remember that individuals like Preston can choose kindness and compassion towards others. Let us strive to create a world where everyone can feel safe and accepted for who they are. Never harm someone innocent to prove you are a man – that’s proving you are a scared little boy. Preston had several opportunities to come clean to his friends but opted not to. Why? Fear of getting gay bashed or worse. 

Closing On Jules the Magnificent

       I have to end my review on Femme Jules because the film is based on him and what his attack taught him. It taught him not to give up on life and become reclusive like he was doing staying in the house playing video games all day terrified to go out and live his life in fear of getting attacked again. It takes a magnificent person to do just that – LIVE! He learned strength from Preston and Preston learned love, patience, and caring from Jules. Both lessons learned may have been unorthodox, but I saw it in the film and that is how I can explain it so beautifully.