The Confession, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

I don’t want to feel nothing for you.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You cannot help how you feel.

Johnny
Johnny

But it makes everything more complicated.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Sometimes, complication is good.

Johnny
Johnny

Is it? It never feels good.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You think you're alone in this, Johnny? You're not.

Johnny
Johnny

I don't even know what this is.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Just let it be what it is.

The Farmer's Life, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

This land, it teaches you resilience.

Johnny
Johnny

Resilience? All it brings is pain.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

No, it teaches you to survive.

Johnny
Johnny

You speak like it's a blessing.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It can be, if you allow it.

Johnny
Johnny

I don't want to allow anything.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then you will always feel trapped.

Johnny
Johnny

Maybe that’s what I deserve.

The Fight, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

You don’t understand me!

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

And you don't understand yourself!

Johnny
Johnny

I'm trying my best!

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Your best is not enough if you don't let anyone in.

Johnny
Johnny

What do you know about me?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I know you’re scared.

Johnny
Johnny

I’m not scared!

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You are. And it’s okay.

The Moment of Clarity, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

What if I said I liked you?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then I would say it’s a start.

Johnny
Johnny

A start to what?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

To something real.

Johnny
Johnny

Real is scary.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Sometimes we need to be scared.

Johnny
Johnny

Do you think it can work?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

With time and trust, yes.

An Unexpected Touch, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You have to trust me.

Johnny
Johnny

Why should I?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Because I'm here for you.

Johnny
Johnny

And if I pull away?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I won't let you.

Johnny
Johnny

You can’t make someone stay.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

But I can be here when you need me.

The Nature of Love, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Love isn't just about happiness.

Johnny
Johnny

What else is there?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It's about acceptance, flaws and all.

Johnny
Johnny

I don't know if I can accept that.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You need to try. For your own sake.

Johnny
Johnny

Maybe it’s too late for me.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It’s never too late to open your heart.

Facing Reality, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

Can we really make this work?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Johnny
Johnny

But what if we fail?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we try again.

Johnny
Johnny

And if it hurts?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we learn from it.

Johnny
Johnny

You make it sound simple.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It’s not simple, but it’s necessary.

The Distance, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

What if I pushed you away?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You won't.

Johnny
Johnny

You don’t know that.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I do. I've seen how you care.

Johnny
Johnny

But what if it’s too much?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we figure it out together.

Johnny
Johnny

I'm scared of losing you.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then hold on tight.

Hope, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

One day, we'll look back at all this.

Johnny
Johnny

What will we see?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

All that we've built together.

Johnny
Johnny

And what if it fails?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It won’t fail if we believe.

Johnny
Johnny

Belief isn’t enough.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

But it’s a start.

Acceptance, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

I’m not good at this.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

At love?

Johnny
Johnny

At letting someone care.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It takes practice.

Johnny
Johnny

I feel like I've never learned.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

We start learning now.

Johnny
Johnny

What if I mess up?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we move forward.

The Promise, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I want to build a life with you.

Johnny
Johnny

You believe it’s possible?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I do. If we both want it.

Johnny
Johnny

But what if life pulls us apart?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we fight for it.

Johnny
Johnny

I’ve never fought for anything.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then it’s time to start.

The Memory, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Remember that first night we talked?

Johnny
Johnny

How could I forget? I was a mess.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

You were passionate.

Johnny
Johnny

Passionate? I was angry.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Yes, but it sparked a connection.

Johnny
Johnny

Sometimes sparks burn.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

But they can also ignite something beautiful.

Understanding Each Other, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

You’re so certain about love.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

And you're not?

Johnny
Johnny

It feels risky.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

All love is a risk.

Johnny
Johnny

I don’t know if I can risk it.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then you’ll stay stuck.

Johnny
Johnny

And what about you?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I’m here, waiting for you.

The Epiphany, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

I think I’m falling for you.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

That’s a good thing.

Johnny
Johnny

But what does it mean?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It means you’re allowing yourself to feel.

Johnny
Johnny

And if I can’t handle it?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we will face it together.

Johnny
Johnny

I want that.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then hold on to that feeling.

The Way Forward, Reelive

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

We need to decide how to move forward.

Johnny
Johnny

What if we make the wrong choice?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we’ll learn from it.

Johnny
Johnny

I’m tired of learning the hard way.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

That’s part of life.

Johnny
Johnny

And love?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Love is worth the risk.

Open Heart, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

Why is it so hard to just let go?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Because you fear being hurt.

Johnny
Johnny

And what if I am?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then we deal with it together.

Johnny
Johnny

You make it sound so easy.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

It's not easy, but it’s necessary.

Johnny
Johnny

I want to believe that.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Then keep trying. One step at a time.

The Reality Check, Reelive

Johnny
Johnny

We can’t ignore what happened.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

I know.

Johnny
Johnny

What are we going to do?

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

We’re going to face it.

Johnny
Johnny

But it’s complicated.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

Complications are part of love.

Johnny
Johnny

Seems like they’re never-ending.

Gheorghe
Gheorghe

But I’ll be here through them.

Johnny Saxby

You can't just be a proper farmer and die inside; you have to live.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Why do you want to be like everyone else? Be yourself.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

You can’t change who you are, but you can try to accept it.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

The land doesn’t care about you; it doesn’t give a damn.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Love is a risk people don’t always take.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

You’re stronger than you think you are.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

Feelings are messy, they’re not tidy.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

You don’t need to be perfect to be loved.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

Sometimes, it feels easier to be alone than to let people in.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

The world outside moves on, but within these fields, time stands still.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Real love is not the easiest thing to find.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

I thought I knew what hard work was until I saw you.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

You’ll always be a part of me, no matter what.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Every scar tells a story; embrace yours.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

Life is too short to hide who you are.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Sometimes, you find comfort in the most unexpected places.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

You can’t keep running away from feelings.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

Nature can be unyielding, but we must learn to adapt.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Nothing ever grows in the comfort zone.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

It’s not about where you come from; it’s where you’re going.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive
Gudi

Connection is terrifying, but worth every moment.

Gudi

God's Own Country, Reelive
Johnny Saxby

Love doesn’t always follow a straight path.

Johnny Saxby

God's Own Country, Reelive

Lullaby

Lullaby by Rachael Dadd, Played during a reflective moment between the main characters

Moonlight

Moonlight by Donnalou Stevens, Accompanies a significant emotional scene

The Last Goodbye

The Last Goodbye by The Bamboos, Played during the closure of the story


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Johnny's Breakdown

In a quiet moment on the farm, Johnny struggles with the weight of his unfulfilled life. The tension builds as he faces his inner demons, feeling trapped in a routine that suffocates him. The pivotal moment arrives when he finally breaks down, revealing raw emotion as he cries in front of a mirror, evoking a cathartic release. After this, the audience sees a change in Johnny—a glimmer of hope emerges as he begins to confront his feelings, setting the stage for his emotional journey. This moment resonates deeply as viewers remember their own struggles with identity and acceptance.

Context: Johnny, a young sheep farmer, is isolated and burdened by grief. His emotional turmoil has been building due to the pressures of his life, and this scene is a powerful eruption of that internal conflict.

The First Touch

As Johnny and Gheorghe work together on the farm, there’s a building tension between them. The moment they share a brush of hands while passing tools is electric, making audiences feel the undeniable chemistry. This pivotal moment signifies the start of their relationship, filled with passion and uncertainty. Afterward, their interactions become more intimate, setting the tone for a complicated love story that challenges societal norms. This scene evokes joy and nervous excitement, reflecting the beauty of budding romance.

Context: Johnny has been struggling with loneliness, and Gheorghe's arrival introduces him to emotional and physical intimacy that he has been missing.

The Sheep Auction

During a local sheep auction, tensions rise as Johnny bids on his father’s prized sheep. The pressure mounts as he is reminded of his father's expectations. The pivotal moment occurs when Johnny wins the bid, but instead of triumph, he feels hollow as the weight of his father’s legacy bears down on him. This leads to a confrontation at home, where he questions his path and place in the world. The aftermath reveals deep-seated family dynamics and Johnny's struggle for autonomy, striking a chord with anyone who has faced familial pressures.

Context: This scene reflects Johnny’s struggle with living up to his father's expectations, showcasing the internal conflict that flows throughout the film.

The Rain-Soaked Confession

During a heavy rainstorm, Johnny and Gheorghe share an intimate moment outside, both caught in the downpour. Johnny confesses his fears and insecurities about love and life. The weight of his words hangs heavily in the air, and Gheorghe’s gentle response marks a turning point in their relationship. This vulnerable exchange deepens their bond, leaving Johnny more open to change. The aftermath shows Johnny beginning to embrace who he is, evoking empathy in the audience who can relate to fear of vulnerability.

Context: This moment is crucial as it sheds light on Johnny’s character development, transitioning from troubled young man to someone seeking connection and love.

Confrontation with Family

In a heated dinner scene, Johnny's family confronts him about his relationship with Gheorghe. Tension fills the room as old wounds are exposed. The turning point arrives when Johnny stands up for his choices, asserting his independence for the first time. He shocks his family with his bravery. The aftermath reveals fractured family relationships but also a new strength in Johnny. This confrontation resonates with anyone who has fought for their identity against familial expectations.

Context: This climactic moment highlights the central theme of self-acceptance and the struggle against societal and familial norms.

The Night Together

After sharing a day of hard work, Johnny and Gheorghe finally come together for their first intimate night. The scene is tenderly shot, filled with emotion and vulnerability. This pivotal moment signifies their deepening connection and the culmination of their struggles. The aftermath shows Johnny experiencing joy for the first time, stirring emotions of hope and love in the audience, who root for their happiness. Their relationship becomes a symbol of love overcoming barriers.

Context: This moment marks a new chapter in Johnny's life, as he learns to embrace love despite the risks it poses.

Gheorghe's Departure

The heart-wrenching moment occurs when Gheorghe decides to leave the farm. The tension builds as Johnny realizes that he may lose the only person who truly understands him. Their farewell is filled with pain, leaving viewers with a sense of heartbreak. The aftermath showcases Johnny’s despair and feelings of abandonment, triggering sympathy from the audience. This scene encapsulates the theme of love and loss, leaving a lasting impact.

Context: This event is pivotal, as it forces Johnny to confront the reality of his emotional dependence on Gheorghe.

The Return to the Farm

After a period of self-discovery, Johnny decides to return to the farm. The moment he steps onto the property, the camera captures a mix of hope and trepidation. The pivotal point comes when he sees Gheorghe, initially filled with uncertainty but later transformed into joy. Their reunion is tender, proving that love can withstand trials. This emotional turnaround brings relief and hope, showcasing Johnny’s growth. Viewers feel a surge of warmth and satisfaction seeing them together again.

Context: This moment signifies a new beginning for Johnny, embracing both love and his identity.

Family Reconciliation

In a heartfelt moment, Johnny confronts his family one last time during a visit. The atmosphere is tense, but he speaks from a place of truth, explaining his journey of self-acceptance. The pivotal moment occurs when his family starts to listen and understand him. After this encounter, there is a sense of hope for healing in family dynamics, leaving viewers with a sense of catharsis and growth. This scene highlights the importance of acceptance and communication.

Context: This scene emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in relationships, mirroring Johnny's internal growth.

The First Harvest

As the seasons change, Johnny participates in the first harvest since welcoming Gheorghe back. The scene is visually stunning, with sweeping shots of the landscape and a montage of moments that signify hard work and camaraderie. The pivotal moment is when Johnny and Gheorghe share a smile, showcasing their renewed bond. This moment symbolizes hope and growth, leaving viewers with a sense of belonging. It evokes pride in the fruits of their labor and the connection they’ve forged.

Context: This scene ties together the themes of love, hard work, and personal transformation that run throughout the film.

Johnny's Acceptance

In the final moments of the film, Johnny stands at the edge of the farm, looking out at the vast land with a sense of peace. He reflects on his journey and acceptance of himself and his love for Gheorghe. The pivotal moment comes when he smiles, a manifestation of his newfound happiness. This final shot encapsulates his growth from a troubled young man to a person comfortable in his own skin. Viewers often experience a sense of fulfillment, underscoring themes of self-discovery and love.

Context: This moment signifies the culmination of Johnny’s journey, embracing both his identity and his relationship.


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Casting of Josh O’Connor

Josh O’Connor, who played Johnny, was not initially the director’s first choice but landed the role after a successful audition that showcased his raw emotional range.

Why it matters: His performance brought depth to the character, allowing the audience to connect with Johnny’s struggles and growth throughout the film, making it a defining part of the narrative.

Use of Real Livestock

The film used real animals and had a farm-like environment, which created authentic interactions and working conditions for the actors.

Why it matters: This choice contributed to the film's realism, emphasizing the harsh realities of country life and the bond between humans and nature that is central to the story.

Filming in Real Locations

Much of the film was shot on location in the Yorkshire Dales, which posed logistical challenges but provided stunning visuals integral to the film's atmosphere.

Why it matters: The breathtaking landscape serves as a character in its own right, enhancing the emotional and thematic resonance of Johnny's journey and isolation.

Accidental Fire Scene

An early scene where Johnny sets a fire was originally scripted differently; the director decided to use a real fire for authenticity, leading to a tense moment on set.

Why it matters: This decision added a layer of urgency and realism that heightened the intensity of the moment, leaving a lasting impression on the audience regarding Johnny's inner turmoil.

Director Francis Lee’s Personal Experiences

Director Francis Lee drew from his own life experiences growing up in a rural community, infusing the script with authenticity.

Why it matters: This background helped shape the nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ struggles in a conservative environment, making the film relatable and impactful for many viewers.

Improvised Dialogue

Some of the dialogue between Johnny and Gheorghe was improvised, allowing organic chemistry to develop between the characters.

Why it matters: These natural interactions strengthened the emotional connection between the two characters and made their budding romance feel genuine and believable.

Stunt Coordination

The director had a stunt coordinator on set for certain scenes to ensure safety during the more physical aspects of farm work.

Why it matters: This attention to safety allowed the actors to perform confidently, contributing to a more authentic depiction of the strenuous life on a farm.

Cinematographer's Intent

Cinematographer Joshua James Richards used natural light for most of the film to reflect the emotional state of characters.

Why it matters: This choice not only elevated the visual storytelling but also mirrored the characters' struggles and connected their emotions with the beauty and brutality of nature around them.

Gheorghe's Character Development

A significant part of Gheorghe's character was built around actor Alec Secareanu's own persona, with his input shaping how the character interacted with Johnny.

Why it matters: His contributions allowed for a more nuanced portrayal of Gheorghe, creating a layered relationship that challenges stereotypes regarding masculinity and vulnerability.

Authentic Yorkshire Dialect

The actors underwent dialect coaching to ensure their accents realistically represented the Yorkshire setting.

Why it matters: This detail enhances the film's authenticity, helping audiences immerse themselves in the story while respecting regional culture.

Rural Community Involvement

Members of the local community were involved as extras, adding to the film’s authenticity and capturing the essence of rural life.

Why it matters: This local involvement fosters a genuine representation of the film's setting, enriching the narrative's cultural context.

Minimalist Score

The film features a sparse musical score, which was a conscious decision by the director to keep the focus on the characters' emotional experiences.

Why it matters: This approach reinforces the psychological depth of the story, making the moments of silence feel heavy and impactful for the audience.

Physical Transformation

Josh O’Connor underwent a physical transformation to reflect Johnny’s hard and rugged life, including lending his own scars and bruises to the character.

Why it matters: This not only made O’Connor’s performance more believable but also visualized Johnny's inner struggles, resulting in a more profound audience connection.

Unconventional Love Story

Francis Lee wanted to challenge traditional love story tropes by presenting a romance that develops slowly and organically amid a rural backdrop.

Why it matters: This refreshing perspective on romance invites viewers to rethink preconceived notions about love, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ relationships.

Tough Filming Conditions

Filming often took place in inclement weather, forcing actors and crew to adapt and deal with harsh conditions.

Why it matters: The harsh environment ultimately contributed to the film’s gritty realism, paralleling the emotional challenges faced by the characters.

Focus on Visual Storytelling

The director emphasized visual storytelling over exposition, often opting for visual cues to convey tension and emotions.

Why it matters: This choice led to a more immersive viewing experience, allowing the audience to engage with the story on a visceral level.

Intimacy Coordination

An intimacy coordinator was brought on set to ensure the intimacy scenes were handled with care, providing a safe environment for the actors.

Why it matters: This professionalism allowed the actors to explore their characters' relationship fully while maintaining comfort and respect, resulting in more authentic performances.

Nonlinear Storytelling

The narrative structure was influenced by Lee's desire to depict the characters’ emotional states over a linear timeline, reflecting their mental states.

Why it matters: This unconventional structure encourages audiences to engage more deeply with the characters, enhancing the emotional impact of their journey.

Production Challenges

Budget constraints forced the crew to limit locations and elaborate scenes, leading to a focus on character-driven storytelling.

Why it matters: This need for restraint ultimately enhanced the film’s emotional depth, creating an intimate portrayal of love and hardship.

Symbolic Use of Nature

Nature in the film was purposefully used as a metaphor for emotion, with weather changes reflecting the characters' internal struggles.

Why it matters: This layered symbolism provides audiences with additional visual storytelling cues, enhancing their understanding of emotional complexities.

Cameo by the Director

Francis Lee appears in a brief cameo in the film as a farmer, weaving himself into the fabric of the story.

Why it matters: This choice not only showcases Lee's commitment to authenticity but also emphasizes the personal connection he feels to the narrative and setting.


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