Really Lily? (2019)

A jubilating and a bit ridiculous lesbian story

I am continuing to make my way through lesbian short films and dramas and I have to say that this one is delightful. The story of this short film could really be held in pocket handkerchief as we say in French and can be summarised as two women meet in a restaurant, get disparaging and lesbophobic comments made about them, and decide to read the two men. It could also be summarised as "a metaphor for Youtube constantly blocking queer content and getting a strongly worded email from said creators".

The story is simple, but it fits really well within the limited time period available. It is straight to the point and makes it point well. There is something jubilating about two women dating deciding that actually they do have a place in the public space and that they do not need to hide and that anyone who disagrees can just go away. It is the strength of short films to be able to deliver this kind of content and I am glad to see it being produced.

The production value is quite high (as is to be expected of Korean productions) and the acting is good for the slightly over-the-top story.

In conclusion, it is a bit ridiculous and over-the-top, but it is also jubilating, it is unashamedly lesbian and I would definitely rewatch it to show it to other people. It is only 6 minutes long and you should definitely watch it.

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An unabashedly queer retaliation against bigots.

This short went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. At first, you think you know exactly where it's going... and technically you do... but it suddenly takes a slightly out of pocket turn from serious to comedic. And it's great. It literally and figuratively gives the middle finger to people (particularly men) who think they have a right to women's sexuality.

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of using harmful stereotypes to fight back against equally harmful stereotypes - fighting fire with fire just hurts everyone in the long run - but I can't help feeling like this short was trying to make that point in its deliberate structuring of that confrontation.

Either way, it's a good laugh and I couldn't help smiling at the ridiculousness. The cartoonish acting and visual effects really are the icing on the top of the cake.

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