NewFest: Two very different international lesbian romances

By Abe Friedtanzer

Part of the appeal of the programming at NewFest is that it spotlights multiple perspectives slightly outside mainstream society, suggesting a universality to the way in which so many feel like they’re not accepted by society. The grouping of these two films in one review has a little to do with their subject matter but much more to do with the fact that I happened to screen them back-to-back and found some unexpected connections and contrasts. Let’s look briefly at Bliss and Sweetheart…

Bliss is set in Berlin, and follows Sascha (Katharina Behrens), a sex worker who is very popular with all of her brothel’s clientele. The arrival of Maria (Adam Hoya) from Italy changes the dynamic, and a passionate relationship soon develops between the two women. Sweetheart, a UK production, focuses on a younger protagonist, the sardonic, unhappy AJ (Nell Barlow), whose summertime family trip begins with few prospects but eventually leads to an exciting attraction to Isla (Ella-Rae Smith).

 

These two projects couldn’t be more different in tone and content. Bliss is quite explicit, especially in its depiction of the men who frequent the brothel, exposing them as much as the women in their most vulnerable moments. The expectations and base impulses of men are projected upon Sascha and Maria, dismissing them as lowly prostitutes incapable of deciding what they want or being worthy of happiness. There is a rawness and beauty to Sascha and Maria's connection, portrayed compellingly by the talented Behrens and first-time actor Hoya, even if their odds of staying together and achieving a stable life are minimal.

 

AJ in Sweetheart, on the other hand, lives in a world that is far brighter and less objectively challenging than Sascha and Maria’s environment. What she faces most is boredom and the kind of teen angst that can make you incredibly awkward. This is especially true when she ends up in the presence of someone she likes. She's unsure of whether she should make a move or if she’s going to be able to commit to it once she does. AJ couldn’t even begin to imagine what Sascha and Maria have to endure in the other film, and give the comedic feel of hers, she’ll never have to! A promising if unexciting future surely lies ahead. Barlow is a fun lead, Smith is charming, and the ensemble also includes endearing performances from Jo Hartley, Samuel Anderson, and Sophia Di Martino.

 

What’s refreshing and alike about these two films is that the sexual orientation of the protagonists is not something that they are at all shy about expressing or that remains hidden from those in their orbit. Sascha and Maria may be discreet about their relationship in Bliss in part because of what they do for a living, but they're not explicitly hiding it and Sascha eagerly introduces Maria to her son. AJ’s Sweetheart family knows that she is a lesbian, and they attempt to offer comfort in the form of optimistic Jodie Foster anecdotes. These unique approaches in very different films are both intriguing and effective. They're two worthwhile pictures in a typically strong slate for NewFest. 

Read more about all of this year’s NewFest slate.