Janis Pugh’s debut feature Chuck Chuck Baby wastes no time in establishing itself as a non-conformist. Behind the camera is Pugh, taking on directing and writing duties, crafting an intimate story of self-discovery. She brings together a talented pair of leads in Louise Brealey and Annabel Scholey. Brealey plays Helen, living an unfulfilling life in small-town Wales until the return of her old neighbor Joanne, played by Scholey, rekindles long-buried feelings.

Pugh breathes new life into familiar tropes of romance and musicals. Rather than rigidly sticking to formula, she allows her characters’ emotions to shine through in creative ways. Scenes transform delightfully as they passionately lip-sync classic tunes that reflect their feelings.

Pugh also crosses genres with ease, infusing drama, comedy, and coming-of-age themes into a heartfelt LGBTQ love story. While touching on universal ideas of empowerment and acceptance, the intimate portrayals feel refreshingly genuine.

From the outset, Pugh...