#BFI Flare - Concussion from Writer and Director Stacie Passon

I was intrigued to see this film by the presentation that it was about a lesbian Belle de jour and an exploration of female sexuality. The story centres around Abby who lives in suburban New Jersey with her wife and two kids. The film begins with an honest and telling description of the drudgery, tediousness and great joy that goes with the domestic routine that kids require. Abby's frustration is palpable, particularly in her fury at her son when he accidentally hits her in the head with a baseball. The resulting concussion awakens further realisation within Abby that there has to be more to life and as she channels her energy into renovating a loft she gets the idea from her male employee to have sex with women for money. 

Her approach to sex work is unusual, she insists on meeting the 'janes' for tea first and through that she begins to be aware that there is more involved than sex, some of her younger clients need their self esteem boosting which leads to some amusing scenes. 

The film is multi layered in the way the story unfolds on its journey and as its repercussions are explored. You begin feeling sorry for the unknowing wife at home who has no idea that her partner is sleeping with other women. Then in an incredibly moving scene your sympathy switches as the film explores what it is like to be with someone who doesn't want you sexually - the fact that she doesn't want anyone else sexually is not much consolation. 

I really enjoyed the emotional twists and turns of the film, the humorous way way that it explored sexuality and the way that it hints at the more grim reality of sex work. The film is glossy and 'hollywood' in feel and for me its the film we were promised with 'The kids are alright', when so many were desperately disappointed by the inclusion of the Marc Ruffalo character. Showing in the same month as equal marriage this film is a timely exploration of lesbian domesticity and how it is the same as heterosexual married life but also how it is different. 

Review by Claire

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Stacie Passon (Writer/Director)
Stacie Passon is the writer/director of her first feature “Concussion” starring Robin Weigert and
Maggie Siff. “Concussion” was honored to be chosen for IFP’s Narrative Lab in 2012. Stacie has
produced and directed for dozens of clients including Atlantic Records, Donna Karan, Ralph
Lauren and Sony Music. Most recently, she produced “Elliot King is Third” for director and
production partner, Rose Troche. She is now developing her second feature and a television
pilot for a new series, “Animals.”

Rose Troche (Producer)
Director of Go Fish, Safety of Objects and Bedrooms and Hallways. She began her career by
making short films and video. Her directorial debut was the groundbreaking film Go Fish (1994),
a lesbian love story. Made on a shoestring budget, it was one of the truly "independent" films of
the mid 90s, and certainly one of the first in the lesbian genre. It premiered at the Sundance
Film Festival in 1994.

Rose’s career as a director has spanned 20 years helming for dozens of TV shows in the US
including executive producer and director of The L Word for six seasons.