Too Rough (Sean Lìonadh, 15 mins) UK

Too Rough is a 2022 Scottish short film written and directed by Sean Lìonadh. Running for 15 minutes, this deeply emotional and intense drama explores themes of trauma, family dysfunction, homophobia, and resilience through the lens of a young gay relationship. The film has received critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the Scottish BAFTA for Best Short Film and the British Independent Film Award (BIFA) for Best British Short Film126.

Plot Summary
Set in Glasgow, the story follows Nick (played by Ruaridh Mollica), a young man from a working-class background, who wakes up hungover next to his boyfriend Charlie (Joshua Griffin) after a night of partying. Nick panics as he must hide Charlie from his abusive, homophobic family. The film captures the claustrophobic tension of Nick’s household while highlighting the tenderness and support within Nick and Charlie’s relationship236.

Themes and Style
Sean Lìonadh drew on personal experiences to craft the narrative, creating an authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in hostile environments. The film juxtaposes moments of warmth and intimacy with the harsh realities of homophobia and familial dysfunction. Critics have praised its raw emotional depth, atmospheric tension, and nuanced exploration of trauma36.

Visually, Too Rough employs dynamic framing and color grading to heighten its emotional impact. The direction balances grounded realism with moments of poetic intensity, reflecting Lìonadh's background as a poet and musician38.

Performances
The performances by Ruaridh Mollica and Joshua Griffin are central to the film’s success. Mollica conveys Nick’s vulnerability and escalating anxiety with remarkable subtlety, while Griffin portrays Charlie’s evolution from carefree to steadfastly supportive with equal finesse. Their chemistry brings authenticity to their relationship amidst the turmoil3.

Reception
Too Rough premiered at Flickerfest International Short Film Festival in Sydney in January 2022 and went on to receive international recognition. It has been lauded for its emotional resonance and its ability to address sensitive topics with grace and impact68.

About Sean Lìonadh
Sean Lìonadh is a Glasgow-based poet, filmmaker, and musician known for his work addressing LGBTQ+ themes and social issues. His previous projects include the viral visual poem Time for Love (2018), which won a Royal Television Society award. Lìonadh continues to explore themes of intimacy, trauma, and identity in his work, including his upcoming feature film Nostophobia47.

Too Rough is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities while celebrating the resilience found in love and connection.