The Adored

The Adored is a gripping psychological drama, released in 2012, that masterfully brings together themes of identity, obsession, and the delicate dynamics of human relationships. The movie is spearheaded by an impressive ensemble cast that includes Laura Martin-Simpson, Ione Butler, and Jake Maskall.

The plot primarily revolves around two women, Maia and Fran. Maia, portrayed by an impeccable Laura Martin-Simpson, is a successful model struggling with feelings of dissatisfaction in her professional and personal life. She is battling inner demons that are by-products of her glamorous but superficial modeling career, leaving her distraught and seeking more substance in life. On the other hand, Fran, played poignantly by Ione Butler, is a creative artist and a dedicated photographer living in the beautiful Welsh countryside, striving to break free from her life that has been rendered monotonous by the isolation.

Fran is hired to create a set of candid photos capturing Maia's genuine emotions beyond the glitz and glam of her modeling world. The two women start to spend time together at Fran's secluded home. This sets the stage for a budding friendship between the two, regardless of their starkly different backgrounds. What starts initially as a professional relationship soon evolves into a profound emotional connect with undercurrents of sexual tension.

As the plot progresses, homosexual themes begin to surface. The yin-yang balance of the two leads is portrayed delicately but powerfully, creating an intertwined bond. This delicate dance between Maia and Fran forms the spine of the film— their varying personalities and the enticing chemistry they share weaves together a narrative that is both enthralling and intriguing.

Jake Maskall plays the crucial role of Maia's boyfriend, contributing to the increasingly complex dynamics of the story. He is the third wheel that intricately ties in the subplot, introducing a dynamic that further complicates the relationships and develops many heart-rendering conflicts.

The Adored shines in its intricate character development. The movie doesn't shy away from exploring the layers of each character, each carrying their own burdens, quirks, and insecurities. The characters expose their vulnerabilities and that’s what makes the audience connect and empathize with them. The movie also dives deep into the tension and complexities of human relationships, glorifying the beauty of unspoken words and subtle gestures.

The picturesque setting of the British countryside presents an idyllic backdrop to the emotional turmoil of the characters – a beautiful contrast that adds depth to the cinematic experience. The compelling visuals accompanied by a mesmerizing score creates a captivating ambiance that complements the plot's intensity.

The intimate glimpses of Maia's turbulence in her life as a model and her longing for a more concrete sense of self, coupled with Fran's relentless pursuit of an artistic breakthrough amidst her own personal tribulations, makes The Adored an engaging and relatable portrayal of life's many struggles and triumphs.

But The Adored doesn't stop at showcasing complexities – it pushes boundaries consistently throughout the narrative, exploring sensitive topics and themes that not only make the film an engrossing watch but also a thought-provoking piece of cinema. The relationships, conflicts, and resolutions are portrayed organically, with a rawness that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

While it's true that a vital part of the narrative relies on the exploration of a character's sexual identity, The Adored goes beyond being just another LGBT genre movie. It is an emotionally charged drama that delves into universal themes of love, obsession, identity and the search for a purpose.

Director Carl Medland and Amarjeet Singh do an exceptional job of shaping the film's narrative with subtlety and elegance. They cleverly manipulate the aesthetics and mood of the film to mirror the characters' emotional journey, resulting in a satisfying, multi-layered cinematic experience.

In summation, The Adored is a compelling drama full of suspense, emotion and authentic portrayals of human relationships. With powerful performances, intriguing character dynamics, and striking visuals, the film provides a profound exploration of emotional journeys that will resonate deeply with viewers.