From A to Q

By: Lisa Steinberg

From A to Q feels like such a hand in glove film.  The tagline to the Indiegogo campaign behind the project bills it as, “… a film that tackles sexuality, coming out and what it takes to love yourself.” And although this short LGBTQ film may only be a little over eighteen minutes in length, the amount of affirmation and understanding presented is beautifully and naturally depicted in this touching, relatable movie by writer and director Emmalie El Fadli.

The film introduces us to Alex (played dynamically by Sophie Rivers), a young woman whose subconscious has started to manifest some of the struggles and feelings she has been seemingly internalizing or possibly repressing.  It’s the reconciling of what’s real and what does it all mean that becomes a prolonged debate for Alex, and what would happen should she actually act upon these emotions. Alex finds herself in an anxious conundrum as the fear of the unknown and what it all means starts to takes her mind into overdrive.

From A to Q is an intimate and honest look at teenage same sex friendships and the stress inducing introspection of sexual identity. Rivers gives a nuanced and vulnerable performance that draws you in and resonates. Actress Holly Ashman provides reassuring and congenial support as the unknowing best friend. Although the movie may be short in length, nothing about it feels rushed or stunted. El Fadli gives us just the right stride and pacing that makes each moment of the movie feel genuine, natural, and earnest. The angst, subconscious gaslighting, panic, and self doubt that comes with self discovery is explored on a superficial but spectacular level in this short film. A standout to me is the delightful dance number we see from Kayla and Alex. The music swells while the warmth of the lighted coloring heightens and ignites the chemistry between the characters. It adds another fantastical element of the layered multi dimensional expressionism that feels so satisfying. The film’s positive message is a breath of fresh air, I just wish we got to see what happens lingeringly after each character confession. 

In a world where LGBTQ characters are continually killed off, dismissed, treated as side stories, and underrepresented; From A to Q provides a stellar perspective on the friends to lovers trope. The brilliant leads, lovely cinematography, and connected storyline make this sweet film something special.  We encourage you to check out the crowdfunding campaign that is still going on for the film HERE. Excitedly, the crowd funding campaign has reached its goal, but the team behind the film is continuing to raise funds as it assists with fees that eat into what they have already raised, and it helps with further post production costs for the film as well. So please, keep contributing!