The Little Death

Thursday 16^th October, 8.45pm – Hackney Picturehouse

Friday 17^th October, 9pm – Vue West End Cinema

The Little Death was never going to be your average comedy. This film takes an intimate if brief look at the sex lives and fetishes of a various 30-something couples, which are punctuated by the mild-mannered new neighbourhood sex offender coming by and making his legally required introductions, armed with gifts of apparently nostalgically racist baked goods.

This really quite brave comedy opens the discussion for some quite taboo kinks. Maeve, played by Bojana Novakovic admits to her boyfriend that she has a rape fantasy. Rowena, played by Kate Box, finds out that she can only orgasm when her husband cries. Surprisingly, given this dark subject matter, hilarity does in fact ensue. Although that’s not to say it doesn’t sometimes make for occasionally uncomfortable viewing.

That being said, it is admirable that this movie attempts to bring to light some of the darker sexual fantasies out there, in a manner that seems almost respectful. Maeve is not made to feel ashamed for her kinks, and despite other character’s embarrassment at their little secrets, the audience isn’t laughing at them. The sexual fetishes explored in this movie aren’t used to poke fun at the characters, as other comedies involving similar topics often do. This isn’t a comedy about mocking people’s sex lives, this is a film about relationships.

So if you’re easily offended, this movie probably isn’t for you. Any movie that makes light of sexual violence always sends out a lot of red flags. Even though not all of it is strictly PC, The Little Death deals with its subject matter with about as much maturity as is possible. That alone would make it worth a watch, but it’s also very smart, with a sharp script, and excellent (if a little fragmented) character development. Even though it’s not the most comfortable of watches, The Little Death is likely well on its way to cult success.

Aidan Milan

The Little Death release date is yet to be announced.

For further information about the BFI London Film Festival visit here.

Read more reviews from the festival here.

Watch the trailer for The Little Death here: