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[rowansfilmguide]

Dating Amber (2020) - Director David Freyne

[rowansfilmguide]

Dating Amber (2020)

Dating Amber (2020) follows teen outcasts and absolute opposites, Eddie (Fionn O'Shea) and Amber (Lola Petticrew), who pretend to date in order to conceal their queerness from their families and classmates. While he struggles with the volatile nature of his parents' relationship, Eddie simultaneously must fight for his father’s admiration by enlisting in the military and following his fathers footsteps. All the while attempting to deflect rumors surrounding his sexuality and lack of experience with girls. This leads Eddie on an insecure journey to make life more comfortable; this leads him to anti-fascist “lezzer” Amber. Amber, also sick of her peers prying about her sexuality, agrees to date Eddie so that they both may have the security and safety that having a “beard” provides. This leads the two opposites to build an unbreakable bond as they both navigate the uncertainty that is being a queer teen in an unforgiving town. 

Writer and Director David Freyne (The Cured, Passing) is more than familiar with the subject matter. Drawing from his own life, Freyne based a lot of the story on personal experience, saying “it’s my story…or at least as autobiographical as it will ever get” (Kleinmann). It is incredibly refreshing to see queer film executed by queer filmmakers. One would think that’s a given, but it is unfortunately very common for queerness to be co-opted by outsiders to fit into heteronormative lens.

While this film does an excellent job of exploring these themes of isolation, loneliness, and conformity; one area I feel this film falls short is on the representation of diverse queerness. This is not the first film to feature white cis-gender gay teens, there are a plethora of films that fit this mold. It would be nice to see queer filmmakers dive into issue of gender identity and expression to give us trans representation as well. While I believe this film is a prime example of queer storytelling, I wonder how these themes would reflect on a trans or non-white character. With no characters of color, and one drag queen cameo, this film would benefit greatly if it highlighted the rich diversity beloved by the queer community.

All in all, this film stands out as a uniquely warm and refreshing take on what life was like for closeted teens in mid 90s Ireland. Definitely watch this film if you’re looking to fill the void left by your baby gay teen self. 

Available to stream in the US on Amazon Prime ($3.99).

Referenced Interview with the Director: