A tender story of first love, belonging and growing up, Beautiful Thing follows neighbours Jamie and Ste as their friendship deepens into romance over the course of one long, hot summer. Alongside them are Jamie’s mum Sandra and friend Leah, two women with humour, struggles and stories of their own.
Directed by Hettie Macdonald and adapted for the screen by Jonathan Harvey from his acclaimed play, Beautiful Thing transforms the familiar landscape of a council housing estate into a world alive with warmth, wit and bold primary colours, casting everyday life in a new light.
Thirty years on, it’s a joy to discover, or rediscover, this much-loved but underseen film, with the music of Mama Cass beating at its heart.
Image credit: Courtesy of Film4
About Reclaim The Frame
Reclaim The Frame is the UK’s award-winning charity for gender equity in cinema. Through screenings, events, training and audience development, we champion films by women and filmmakers of all marginalised genders, connecting great cinema with audiences across the UK.