Beautiful Thing

Hettie MacDonald and Jonathan Harvey’s acclaimed film version of the latter’s play, a gay romantic comedy set in and around a Thamesmead council estate.

  • Director

    Hettie Macdonald

  • With

    Glen Berry, Linda Henry, Scott Neal, Tameka Empson

  • UK 1996. 91min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    15

Jonathan Harvey adapted his own play about teenager Jamie who falls in love with neighbour and schoolfriend Ste – not, perhaps, the brightest prospect given their parents, neighbours, classmates and others on and around their Thamesmead council estate. An unlikely premise for a romantic comedy, but the script, performances and use of songs by the Mamas and Papas carry the day.

The screening of Beautiful Thing on Wednesday 22 May will be introduced by Simon McCallum, BFI National Archive Curator.

Beautiful Thing will be released on Blu-ray by the BFI on Monday 18 March.

BFI Flare