“The end of a relationship can be just as important and beautiful as the beginning of a love story”: Bill Oliver on Our Son at BFI Flare

Our Son is the new feature from Bill Oliver, charting the turbulent divorce and custody battle between a gay couple, Nicky and Gabriel, when their relationship breaks down and tensions over the care of their eight-year-old son Owen erupt. Starring a phenomenal pairing in Luke Evans and Billy Porter, the film throws a spotlight on an aspect of love and marriage not often explored on screen, in particular in queer cinema. Through compelling performances, that are striking for both actors in playing against type, the feature navigates the complexities of its emotional landscape with sensitivity and insight, offering a nuanced portrayal of queerness, masculinity and fatherhood. 

The Upcoming caught up with director and co-writer Oliver during BFI Flare festival where he shared his desire to showcase a gay couple’s challenges, marking a departure from typical queer narratives. The film, taking five years to produce, faced funding challenges but succeeded with star involvement. Oliver emphasised casting openly gay actors for authenticity and provided insights into the production process, aiming for an empathetic portrayal of complex relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

Sarah Bradbury

Our Son is released digitally on demand on 25^th March 2024.

Watch the trailer for Our Son here: