Spencer

There has been a healthy expression of LGBT experience through film in Australia in recent years, but 'Spencer' delves into an aspect not often explored - sexuality fluidity. An often misunderstood experience in the queer realm is bisexuality or pansexuality. 'Spencer' is undoubtedly a low budget film but what it may lack in funding, it makes up for big time in its courage and distinctive voice and style to tell its story of the titular Spencer and his travails though love, romance, family and identity acceptance.

Adam Noviello is a definite star; with his striking look and impressive range as a performer, and here he also co-wrote the screenplay with its Director Martyn Park. I was unfamiliar with both of these creatives but so glad I stumbled onto this fascinating portrait. Some under-cooked performances by some of the lesser seen actors aside, 'Spencer' is beautifully realised and will be of interest to more than just a niche 'queer' audience to may see it at a festival. There is a really intoxicating mix on screen of dance and movement; words, lyrics and score and also desire, sexuality and pain and trauma. There are light moments too and the film has loads of heart and a distinctive tone and form.

I recommend 'Spencer' to anyone who craves insightful and interesting storytelling.

This is the second film I have seen by this director, the first being iSOLATE, which was brilliant, so I was hoping that this wouldn't disappoint, and it didn't.

Spencer is beautifully shot, obviously on a low budget but, it doesn't suffer from this at all, in fact, it is enhanced by the simple and beautiful aesthetic. The music score is superb, and the Melbourne locations plays a big role, especially for someone who lives there and has lived through the covid lockdowns and all that came along with that. Without going into spoilers, Spencer is a simple love story, but one that is told though the eyes of a bisexual man, and not a bisexual (LGBT) man that is struggling with his identity (which was very refreshing) but just a young man navigating the difficulties of relationships.

All the roles are well cast and performed, particularly the lead Adam Noviello, but the two standouts for me were Cleonie Morgan-Wootton in the role of Margret, and Natasha Maymon in the role of Ruby, these two ladies are truly magnificent on a global scale.

This movie is equal parts joy, and sadness, and I loved it.

Highly recommended.