Shot in early 2022, in collaboration with Goldsmiths University of London, Don’t Tell The Boys is an exploration into contemporary themes of toxic masculinity in groups of young men.
Don’t Tell The Boys (2022)
‘Don’t Tell the Boys’ is a short film following a young man, Euan, returning home after a fateful night out in London. Exploring the prevailing issues of toxic masculinity and homophobia within lad culture, the film delves into Euan’s state of mind as he leaves numerous, scattered voicemails to his friend, Jack, fearing what he could lose if “the boys” find out what he did that night.
Fundamentally about the unforgiving, dangerous aspects of masculinity that punishes sensitivity and vulnerability, and the wounds it leaves on those affected by it. Euan battles between the dichotomy of toughness and softness throughout the night, and what ensues is a sorrowful look at a man unknown and unaccepted by the very friends he’s desperate to keep.
We hope this piece resonates with people and inspires conversations about the very real harms- external and internal- that are a result of the culture of toxic masculinity.
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Shot in early 2022, in collaboration with Goldsmiths University of London, Don’t Tell The Boys is an exploration into contemporary themes of toxic masculinity in groups of young men.
Beginning on the image of our central character, Euan (Jake Cooke), on the way home from a night out gone wrong, the film runs in a fragmented, non-linear structure which jumps back and forth between Euan’s present and the events of the night; unveiling the subsequent events which led to the state he finds himself in.
Directed by Sam Roy
Written by Caitlyn Murray
Produced by Aneesah Khalid
Production Design and Makeup by Caitlyn Murray
Cinematography by Izzah Naseer Ud Din
Camera Operation by Niall Langlands
Starring:
Jake Cooke
Stephen Daniels
Taylor Pope
Jack Dorning
Robin Bernard
Mackintosh De Hoghton-Mckay
