Certain crimes remain unspoken, but their resonance has volumes when it comes to the relatives of those who have been most deeply affected over the years. Be it the Bulger killings, the Stephen Lawrence investigation and – most notoriously – the ‘Moors Murders’, their respective legacies will have long lasting effects, simply because of the never-ending reflection that the mere mention manifests on the world in general.
It is the latter tragedy that forms the backbone of director Joanne Mitchell’s short drama THE OUTING, which chronicles a chance meeting (perhaps) of Frank (Con O’Neill, DANCIN’ THRU THE DARK) and Nellie (Julie Hesmondhaigh, BROADCHURCH, CORONATION STREET) who encounter each other during a coach trip to Tynemouth.
Frank cajoles Nellie into trying out the water amidst offers of lemon sponge from the coach guide, Veronica (Elizabeth Rider) who suspects Nellie might not totally be in the honesty realm. However, Frank has his own reasons for being on the trip….
A tragic analysis of the effects of notoriety by association and the dilemma that some individuals face because of their relationships, THE OUTING attempts to gain balance for a mother who is struggling to come to terms with the irreversible consequences of an inhumane psychology.
THE OUTING was one of many great shorts playing as part of the London Independent Film Festival, running until 10th April 2022 at the Genesis Cinema, Mile End, London, UK.
Tickets and info:
