Go Fish

Go Fish is a peerless indie drama film that unfolds among a diverse circle of friends and lovers in Chicago's bohemian arts scene. Released in 1994, it was directed by Rose Troche and co-written by Troche and Guinevere Turner. They crafted a distinct, authentic, and relatable portrayal of lesbian relationships, which helped make this film powerful and groundbreaking. In the lead roles are actresses V.S. Brodie, Guinevere Turner, and T. Wendy McMillan.

Guinevere Turner, who also co-wrote the film, starred as Max, an intelligent, introspective, and somewhat reserved woman who also cuts a quite likeable figure. Max lives a quiet, peaceful life, absorbed in her academic pursuits, and her ongoing research on the themes of sexuality and identity. While she is happily single, her friends, eager to see her paired off, constantly attempt matchmaking, to varying degrees of success.

On the other hand, V.S. Brodie portrays Ely, an older woman with a soft-spoken demeanor and, ironically, trapped in a stagnant, loveless relationship that she can't muster the will to end. Ely is also a close friend of Max's circle, and her sweetness and vulnerability make her a distinctly endearing character. The contrast between Max's independent lifestyle and Ely's lack of agency in a dead-end relationship sets up an engaging dynamic, which is one of the film's central attractions.

T. Wendy McMillan performs as Kia, a close friend of Max, who uses her cooking skills to gather friends and foster intimacy and friendship. Kia is a fiery and passionate character who is not afraid to challenge norms and taboos. Her character serves as a catalyst for many events in the movie, especially the unfolding romantic plotline between Max and Ely.

A central theme in Go Fish is the exploration and acceptance of one's own identity, particularly sexual identity. In a time when LGBTQ+ themes were rarely portrayed in mainstream cinema, Go Fish broke barriers with its sincere, honest, and respectful dealing with lesbian relationships. The film not only explores lesbian romance but also delves into the intricacies of friendship, family pressures, societal skepticism, and the journey towards self-acceptance. In essence, Go Fish is not just about lesbian relationships, but relationships in general, to family, friends, and ultimately, to oneself.

The script is rich with lyrical moments and touches of humor, delicately narrated and yet powerful with its raw realism. The conversations – sometimes soft and sentimental, sometimes controversial and heated – provide an in-depth view of the characters, their personal lives, and their life-changing experiences.

A significant feature of the film lies in its stylistic decisions. The film's black-and-white cinematography, for instance, lends an intimate, understated feel to its overall mood. The choice results in an atmosphere where every expression, every emotion looks stark, unveiling complex stories hiding behind each character's facade. The editing, fascinating camera angles, and use of shadows and light amplify this effect, blending to create a unique cinematic language that makes Go Fish a visually compelling piece.

What sets Go Fish ahead of its time is its wholesome portrayal of queer women, who are seen leading their everyday lives, experiencing love and going through the heartbreaks, just like any other person. In doing so, it subverts the stereotypes often associated with this demographic by the contemporary cinema of its time. It unapologetically presents the reality of lesbian existence - the joys, sorrows, struggles, and triumphs - without resorting to the clichéd tropes seen in many films addressing similar subject matter.

Go Fish gathers its strength from its bold honesty, its intimate storytelling and the authentic performances by the ensemble cast. It remains one of the most significant films in the LGBTQ+ genre, breaking new ground and making way for other filmmakers to tell similar true-to-life stories about queer women. It is this remarkable portrayal of the lesbian community that helped Go Fish achieve cult status, marking it as an empowering, must-see film in the world of queer cinema.