Lilies Not for Me

"Lilies Not For Me," directed by the talented Will Seefried, made a sensational debut at the Edinburgh Film Festival on August 16, 2024. This captivating film, a profound exploration of the queer experience in the early 1900s, has left an indelible mark on me and the others privileged to see it. Poignant storytelling, stellar performances, and evocative direction.

From the moment the film begins, Seefried masterfully draws the audience into the world of Owen, a complex and relatable protagonist whose journey of self-acceptance is inspiring. The film's narrative is beautifully woven, presenting the struggles of the queer experience in the early 1900s with an authenticity that resonates deeply. The director's ability to capture the nuances of Owen, Philip, and Charlie's emotional experiences is nothing short of brilliant, showcasing his keen insight into the human condition. The actors were perfectly chosen for their roles, and the chemistry and emotion was gripping.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with each frame meticulously composed to enhance the emotional depth of the story. The use of natural light and carefully chosen color palettes creates a visually stunning backdrop.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its script, which balances moments of intense emotion and gripping terror, with instances of joy and light. The dialogue is sharp and historically accurate, capturing the essence of human interactions and the internal dialogues we often have with ourselves.

The film's score is another highlight, perfectly complementing the narrative's emotional beats. At times the story left me breathless and with my heart pounding. It adds an extra layer of depth to the film, making certain scenes particularly memorable.

Will Seefried's direction is visionary, guiding the audience through the story with a deft hand. His ability to elicit such powerful performances from his cast, combined with his keen eye for detail, marks him as a director to watch in the coming years. Seefried's understanding of pacing ensures that the film remains engaging throughout, with each scene building upon the last to create a cohesive and impactful narrative.

Lilies Not For Me is a triumph of modern film making - engaging, shocking, unforgettable. 10/10.

Apart from the sudden love triangle, Lilies Not For Me is a mesmerizing and painful tale of a past which shouldn't have existed in the first place. The misguided notion of curing homosexuality by testicular transplant was captured so beautifully. Each and every actor gave their all. And Fionn probably gave his career best performance. Not a moment went by that i felt any of them were acting. The cinematography was as best as one can get in the industry. Direction top notch. Background music, the piece that completed the puzzle. I want to write so many things but I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone. It should be experienced without spoilers. One should understand the sacrifices so many Queer people had to make to just exist, to love, to live like a regular person.

Movies like this should be pushed for Oscars/BAFTAS/Golden Globes. Not Anora or Emilia Perez with their average performances.

Just witnessed the world premiere here in Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024. An unexpectedly beautiful film. I braced myself for tears but left with a smile. It's a heartbreaking exploration of the dark side of the queer history in 1910s and 1920s , exposing the horrors of conversion therapy and unethical medical experiments. Yet, it's also a stunningly tender portrayal of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. The 1920s setting is simply breathtaking; it evokes the same sense of longing and beauty as Call Me By Your Name. I applaud the film for balancing the harrowing depictions of queer history with heartwarming portrayals of love. A truly remarkable film. Kudos!