Dating Amber (2020)

Dating Amber (also known as Beards) is a 2020 Irish coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by David Freyne. Set in the mid-1990s, the film follows Eddie and Amber, two teenagers who are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality in a conservative small town in Ireland. They decide to fake a romantic relationship to avoid the harassment and bullying they face from their peers, but their plan leads them on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Review:

Dating Amber is a heartfelt and authentic film that explores the struggles of coming out in a conservative society. The film features outstanding performances from its lead actors, Fionn O’Shea and Lola Petticrew, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey of self-discovery is both moving and relatable.

The film also tackles important themes such as friendship, acceptance, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It does so with humor and sensitivity, making it a refreshing addition to the coming-of-age genre. David Freyne‘s direction is excellent, capturing the nostalgia and awkwardness of adolescence with great finesse.

Awards:

Dating Amber has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including:

• Best Irish Feature Film at the Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards
• Best Irish Film at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival
• Audience Award at the GAZE LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Popularity:

Dating Amber has been well-received by audiences and has a 7.0/10 rating on IMDb and a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its popularity has also led to it being picked up for distribution by Amazon Prime Video. The film has been praised for its authentic portrayal of queer identity and its ability to balance humor with important social issues.