Concussion dir. Stacie Passon (US)

Classification: 15
Director: Stacie Passon
Starring: Robin Weigert, Maggie Siff, Daniel London
USA 2013. 96 mins

Synopsis:
This modern-day twist on BELLE DE JOUR is a sexy, provocative story about a woman who turns her fantasy life into reality – and then faces the consequences. When wealthy 40-something Abby (Weigert, Deadwood) is hit in the head by her son’s baseball, she begins to yearn for something more than her banal suburban life. She buys a pied-à-terre in Manhattan, and her pent-up libido draws her into a double life as a high-class hooker for female clients. But as Abby’s decisions become increasingly reckless, we realise that she won’t be able to keep her secret for long. Writer-director Passon’s accomplished debut features breakout performances by Weigert and Siff (Mad Men), and its mix of sensuality and poignancy will ignite a conversation about sexual discovery as a means of finding your true self.

Concussion was one of the films that featured in the BFI Flare (formerly LLGFF) in 2014. It is now preparing for its cinematic release. If you didn't catch it and are wondering what it is all about; take a look at our review below.

You can see Concussion on 16 May when it gets its cinematic release via Picturehouse cinemas; however in the meantime watch the trailer here:

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Concussion is a more mature lesbian film; that would attract audiences who enjoyed The Kids Are Alright. 

We meet long-term lesbian couple Abby and Kate who have two children; Mayer and Jake. Suffering from the difficulties of raising children and finding time for themselves, we meet Abby in what you may see as her mid life crisis moment. 

No longer fulfilled with raising their children, she returns to her passion of doing up apartments in the City with her friend Justin. Abby soon realises that the space in the City allows her the freedom to release her sexual desire; and intending to be one-time thing hires a prostitute but it is far from fulfilling. Justin introduces her to a more experienced and suitable woman and once becomes twice. 

Justin takes on the role of manager and talks Abby into being a high-class prostitute herself, but with the proviso set by Abby that she meet all women in advance for a coffee - a good indication into the different mindset of a woman and sexual desire.

I liked the personal and intimate surrounding of Abby needing to meet these women in a casual space; to get an insight into their desires and the driver behind their seeking out a woman to sleep with. It shows the many depths and interests of women and certainly highlights the difference between men and women when it comes to sexual desire and fulfilment of needs. I also liked that the sex scenes were shot in such an intimate way; not glorified.

The dynamic comparison between the younger clients and older showed another interesting perspective over the needs of women, challenging the pre-conception that expectations that change over time. I found it interesting that Abby provided more than just a sexual transaction - she helps a young, overweight girl who has never kissed anyone, let alone had sex to find confidence in herself and prepare her to go out into the world and seek out a partner.


The more mature cast combined with a completely realistic and believable storyline makes for an exquisite debut feature from Stacie Passon.

There are a few familiar names to the die hard lesbian film and TV followers; amongst a sea of unknowns. Rose Troche, Producer brings along knowledge including being executive producer/director of 6 seasons of The L Word and directing the ground breaking independent lesbian film, Go Fish in 1994. Maggie Sif plays Sam Bennet, who is best known for her role in Mad Men and Janel Moloney plays Pru, who you will recognise from The West Wing.

The lesbian film industry is definitely evolving and where we previously saw films built around lesbians, we are now seeing films built around stories that happen to feature a lesbian relationship or storyline. This makes them far more acceptable to a mainstream audience, and much more likely to make a cinematic release. They go a long way to showing that lesbians are just like heterosexual women, we experience similar issues and stresses in our life; as a mother and a wife; whilst also showing the deeper more sensual side and the depth of emotional needs that comes with two women together. The mainstream nature of having a couple who have straight friends; who go to gym classes and who pick up their kids from school shows that it isn't that different from heterosexual life.

Well shot; a great storyline and deliciously intimate scenes that will leave you wanting more.

Highly recommended as one not to miss.

By Naomi

 

#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.