In From The Side – 2022
In from the Side is a British film, directed by Matt Carter and written by Carter and Adam Silver. Carter had been involved in inclusive rugby for 8 years when the film was released. It was released in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2022. It is due to be released in the USA on 20 January 2023.In the UK it is rated 15.
Plot
Mark (Alexander Lincoln) is a new and relatively inexperienced rugby player on the B team at a London gay rugby club and has a drunken encounter with Warren (Alexander King) who is a star player on the A team. Both men have long-term partners. They continue to have an affair and try to keep this from their partners and teammates. When this comes into the open it ultimately puts the future of the rugby club at risk.
Backstory
In from the Side was funded using a crowdfunding model. The film was shown at the BFI Flare Festival in 2022. It was noted that it is unusual for a LGBT film in that coming out or homophobia are not in the film at all.
It was part of the official selection of the Dayton LGBT film festival in 2022. It was selected for Outfilm Poznań festival. The film will also be shown at Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in 2022 and Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival.
Trailer
Cast
- Alexander Lincoln as Mark
- Alexander King as Warren
- William Hearle as Henry
- Christopher Sherwood as Jimmy
- Peter McPherson as John
- Pearse Egan as Pinky
- Ivan Comisso as Carlos
- Carl Loughlin as Gareth
- Alex Hammond as Richard
- Chris Garner as Stuart
- Mary Lincoln as Alice
- Nigel Fairs – Len
- Frank Assi as Neil
- Tom Murphy – Barry
- Kane Surry as Olli
Gallery
Reviews
Pip Ellwood-Hughes in Entertainment Focus described it as “‘In From The Side’ offers a glimpse into the life of a group of friends who play rugby together and happen to be gay. It’s different from pretty much every other film I’ve seen in recent years that falls under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, and it’s not a surprise that the film is being embraced by the mainstream. With well-written characters, a truly engaging story and strong performances, ‘In From The Side’ is without a doubt the best gay film that’s been released in a while, and it’s also one of the best films I’ve seen all year.”
Cath Clarke of The Guardian gave the film 3 out of 5 stars describing “The setting of the London team is terrifically done, but the dull romance at the centre of Matt Carter’s film long outstays its welcome.” Xan Brooks also of The Guardian criticised it as a “plodding script”.
Awards
Nominated for Outstanding First Feature at the Frameline Film Festival 2022.
Winner for Best First Narrative Feature and Best Actor at FilmOut San Diego Film Festival 2022
Winner for Best Narrative Feature Audience Award at Out On Film Film Festival Atlanta 2022
Winner for Best Narrative Feature at ReelQ Pittsburgh Film Festival 2022
Runner-up for Best Feature Film at OutShine Film Festival Fort Lauderdale 2022
How to See – Theatrical release
Director Matt Carter
Writers – Matt Carter and Adam Silver
In from the Side – 2022
In from the Side – 2022, In from the Side, gay love story, Gay Movies, Gay Cinema, Queer Movies, Gaymen, gay love, gay stories, gay Rugby, gay sport, Alexander Lincoln, Alexander King, William Hearle, Christopher Sherwood, Peter McPherson, Pearse Egan, Ivan Comisso, Carl Loughlin, Alex Hammond, Chris Garner, Mary Lincoln, Nigel Fairs, Frank Assi, Tom Murphy, Kane Surry, Matt Carter, Adam Silver
