French language film “Lie With Me” delves into the delicate intricacies of young queer love, illuminating the profound impact of concealing such affection behind closed doors. PinkNews is privileged to offer an exclusive preview of a new scene from Olivier Peyon’s latest creation, as it debuts in cinemas and streaming platforms in the UK and Ireland.
Adapted from the critically-acclaimed and bestselling novel by French author Philippe Besson, “Lie With Me” follows the narrative of novelist Stéphane Belcourt (played by Guillaume de Tonquédec) as he returns to his unassuming hometown after an absence of over three decades. Invited to serve as a brand ambassador for the town’s renowned cognac distillery, Stéphane’s routine journey swiftly evolves into an encounter with the echoes of his past, reviving a concealed queer romance from his teenage years.
During an ambassadorial event, Stéphane encounters Lucas (portrayed by Victor Belmondo), a company executive at the distillery. This meeting brings to light the revelation that Lucas is the son of Thomas (played by Julien De Saint Jean), a former companion from Stéphane’s youth, with whom he shared a passionate yet clandestine love affair during their adolescence. Hindered by prevailing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments of the era, the pair chose to veil their emotions, confining their devotion to private moments.
Through poignant flashbacks, the film uncovers the enduring scars inflicted by the secrecy they maintained. In the present day, both Stéphane and Lucas must grapple with their connections to Thomas, who has since departed. A revealed clip, exclusively disclosed to PinkNews, exposes a youthful Stéphane (portrayed by Jérémy Gillet) chastised by Thomas for an unannounced visit, driven by the fear of their concealed relationship being discovered.
“Life here and with you are different things. They’re different worlds,” Thomas confesses, his shame over his queer sentiments palpable. “I’m not with you. I told you all along. This stays between us,” he adds, emotions escalating as he initiates a fervent kiss.
The film, celebrated as “a moving meditation on the intoxicating force of first love” and likened to a French rendition of “Brokeback Mountain,” has garnered global acclaim. Victoria Luxford, film editor at City A.M., lauds it as a “gracefully told, touching gay drama,” while Laney Gibbons of Loud and Clear praises it as an “exquisite coming-of-age story” that warmly touches the heart.
Lie With Me is now screening in UK and Irish cinemas, courtesy of Peccadillo Pictures, offering a profound exploration of concealed love and the lasting ripples it creates.