THEMES: MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health and Suicide (across different age brackets and gender) take great significance in the narrative and themes of this film. ‘95 Revolutions’ is ultimately about overcoming suicidal thoughts and problems with depression and mental health, in a world dictated by meaningless interactions and empty gratification. Following abuse, abandonment and rejection, Lydia is left feeling disconnected with everything. She longs for purpose, love and happiness - all of which she cannot find. However, when Death arrives at her door she rediscovers the idea of friendship. When she is transported to the nightclub, she rediscovers happiness and the sense of feeling free from her demons. When she meets Eliza she realises the possibility of love. The message of the film is that hope can come from the darkest and most unusual of places, and that suicide is never the escape we’re looking for - and ultimately that someone's upbringing, surroundings, sexuality or history should never disqualify them from happiness.
THEMES: LGBTQ+ & FEMALE VOICE
As modern screenwriters we are constantly reminded with each script we read, or film we watch, how often the driving force behind a film is a male character - and as a modern screenwriter, we are responsible to change that, not only so a female audience can relate and take inspiration from important female characters, but so that female actors are given equal opportunities for driving-force roles. This film features a strong, female lead in Lydia - as well, as Eliza whose own narrative is much more intriguing and important than that of a typical love interest. Both of these female characters are gay. I wanted to do this as I think it is important (particularly in British cinema) for the representation of gay women/lesbians - and personally think that writing LGBT+characters shouldn't be exclusive to LGBT+ writers, the same way that heterosexual characters shouldn't be exclusive to heterosexual writers. Whilst the main character is gay, I felt it was of great importance to create a character whose sexuality in no way defines who they are as a human being.