Reel Pride Film Festival

Tower Theatre :: 10:15pm :: Saturday, September 19

Shank

  • $10.00
    • online closed. tickets available at box office
  • Director: Simon Pearce
  • 2009, UK, 89min

UK gangs in their nature are homophobic, so being on the DL while participating in gay-bashing is particularly hard for Cal, the 18 year old hottie in the center of this gritty drama.  Cal’s love for his best friend and more violent member of the gang is put to the test when Cal’s heart goes out to a sweet French visitor, beaten just for being who he is.

Stepping away from the gang life and into a lurid and sexy romance with his French boy, Cal has to have eyes in the back of his head to avoid the now vengeful gang.  Cal’s former best friend and his girlfriend have complicated back-stories as well, all of which come to a head when they discover Cal’s true identity while hunting him down.

Stunning in its beauty and harrowing with the subject matter, Shank is also touching and highly sexualized, a street version of true life coming in conflict with deep-set feelings of love between friends…and more than love.  This brilliant debut from 21 year-old director Simon Pearce is compelling, completely unique, and full of energy. Its fresh take on a slice of British gay youth culture makes it a must-see for anyone who loves movies that shake you up.

No one under 17 admitted.  Contains graphic nudity, sex, language, drug use, and violence.