Blue Jean

By Joanna Langfield

Poignant and powerful, this compelling drama reminds us that, in too many ways, we have not come a long way, baby.

This story of a closeted lesbian takes place in England, during Margaret Thatcher’s conservative rule of the 1980’s. A law is about to be passed, placing restrictions on the gay community. There seems to be a lot of support for the legislation, but for Jean, a high school basketball coach, and her friends, the world is tightening around them.

What might have been, in lesser hands, a preachy film, driven by agenda, feels far more immediate and artistically interesting. First time director Georgia Oakley isn’t afraid to recall the kind of bleak cinematography of British 1980’s dramas, and she sure has collected a terrific group of actors to tell the tale. Lainey Shaw and Lucy Halliday brings undeniable shadings to the two women most impacting Jean’s life, but it’s Rosy McEwen who knocked me out. Oakley’s camera loves her and so will those of us watching. I found it virtually impossible to tear my eyes away from this stunning actress, offering up stunning work.

And, sadly, how timely it is to watch this period piece now, as the LGBTQ+ community is facing elevated pressures not just in the United States, but all over the world. As this story takes place mostly in a school setting, we are reminded, too, that adults and even students are there now, dealing with sexuality issues, even if the government is telling them to ‘don’t say gay’.