Céline Roustan
As two queer women have a cute date in the park, everything is going well, until they head back to Millie’s place. As the night progresses, when she asks Piper to stay over, an awkwardness suddenly disrupts their chemistry and we start to see their relationship in a new light. With As You Are, writer/director Daisy Friedman crafts a beautiful and raw film centered around honesty and vulnerability, with characters who are not often seen on screen, nor depicted in such mundane situations.
“I never saw authentic representations of disabled bodies on screen”
It’s not every day that we see an interabled queer couple on our screen and that’s something Friedman lamented when discussing the importance of on-screen representation with S/W. “As a multi-organ transplant recipient, I never saw authentic representations of disabled bodies on screen, and often struggled with feeling undesirable because of it”, she shared with us. Before explaining how she developed the film with the aim “to show that disability and sexuality are concepts that are meant to go together”.
Despite its seemingly straightforward premise, the film has a striking authenticity that makes it incredibly powerful and emotional to watch. To achieve this genuine feel, Friedman revealed how she “ worked with the actors throughout the writing process to ensure they felt like their characters and communities were being represented correctly”. Creating a safe space was also paramount, which is why they worked with an intimacy coordinator. While Friedman’s collaboration with DP Idil Eryurekli ensured that “queer and disabled bodies seen on screen were being framed in a way that made both actors feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin”.
“We focused a lot on accessibility and authenticity” – Friedman discussing the production of her short film.
Aesthetically, the 4:3 aspect ratio and the black and white cinematography create the perfect intimate atmosphere for this love story. With the framing always looking to capture the characters’ strength and vulnerabilities at the same time, the audience is instantly invested in their relationship. Furthermore, there is often an awkward moment the first time you have sex with someone (despite what mainstream romcoms might want you to believe), as insecurities arise. As You Are perfectly captures the different layers of that moment, adding a universal relatability to its appeal.
Since the film is ultimately about a couple and the deepening of their bond, the chemistry between the actresses is crucial, almost as important as their performances. As Millie and Piper, Bri Scalesse and Estefanía Giraldo not only embody their characters, in all their nuances, they also create a palpable on-screen connection as a couple. In every single frame, they capture the beauty of their relationship, its sensuality, honesty, acceptance and support. It’s beautiful to watch.
Ahead of its online premiere, As You Are made its way around the festival circuit with notable stops at Inside Out, Frameline and Outfest. Friedman is currently in post-production of her new short film One Matzo Ball or Two?, about a chronically ill girl who goes to her family’s Passover Seder for the first time since being put on a feeding tube.