New Queer Comedy from Writer-Director James Weisz Heads Into Production

Starring Kane Surry, Nadine Wild-Palmer, and Matthew Hartley, Adonis blends humor with heart as it tells the story of Nathan, a gay man confronting body image pressures.

by

Troika Film Collective

August 22, 2025
News Image

LONDON – Aug. 18, 2025 – Writer-director James Weisz has officially started production on his latest project, Adonis, a queer comedy that brings vulnerability and humor together in a fresh and relatable story. Produced by Victoria Haycroft and the Troika Film Collective, the short film explores themes of body image, self-confidence, and identity through a modern LGBTQ+ lens.

With an ensemble cast led by Kane Surry, known for In From the Side and The Grass Is Always Grindr, the film promises both laughter and poignancy. Adonis aims to spark conversation around the pressures of appearance while celebrating the courage it takes to embrace authenticity.

THE FILM

Adonis is the story of Nathan, a gay man navigating the everyday but deeply personal challenge of body image and self-confidence. When he’s invited to his friend’s Sten Do, the thought of standing alongside his so-called “Adonis-like” friends sends him spiraling. Can Nathan push past insecurity, lean on his best friend’s encouragement, and take the plunge — or will fear hold him back?

Blending humour with vulnerability, Adonis captures a universal truth: no matter who we are, many of us have felt like the odd one out in our own skin.

CAST & CREW

Directed by James Weisz

Starring:

  • Kane Surry (A Night Like This; In From the Side; Glamour; Have We Met Before – BBC; The Grass Is Always Grindr)
  • Nadine Wild-Palmer
  • Matthew Hartley
  • Carly Thoms
  • Lavan Jeyarupalingam
  • Charly Gautier

Produced by: Victoria Haycroft & Troika Film Collective

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Adonis is a very personal story, but one that has resonated with everyone who’s read the script. While it’s told from a gay man’s perspective, it reflects a much wider experience — the pressure to look a certain way, to fit in, to feel ‘enough.’ It’s a universal struggle, and one I hope audiences of all backgrounds can connect with. For me, the film is about courage, self-acceptance, and the quiet strength it takes to stand in your own body without apology.”

James Weisz, Writer-Director

SOCIAL IMPACT

Adonis is proud to support LGBT Hero and MindOut, two organisations championing LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

  • Title: Adonis
  • Format: Short Film
  • Genre: Queer Comedy
  • Status: In Production
  • Country: UK
  • Language: English

PRESS & FESTIVAL CONTACT

For interviews, press requests, or festival inquiries, please contact:

Publicity Contact
📧 info@troikafilmcollective.com
📞 +44 7394 868051

Production Company
Troika Film Collective
🌐 www.troikafilmcollective.com

ABOUT JAMES WEISZ

James Weisz is a UK-based writer-director known for his nuanced and intimate storytelling. His previous works include In Battle, Silver Lining, and Intervention Snacks. Weisz’s films often spotlight personal journeys rooted in identity, courage, and the complexities of human connection.

ABOUT VICTORIA HAYCROFT

Victoria Haycroft is an Australian-based producer focused on bringing purposeful projects to screen and championing the voices and talents of diverse filmmakers.

ABOUT TROIKA FILM COLLECTIVE

Troika Film Collective is an independent production company dedicated to bold, diverse storytelling with a social impact. Their projects aim to amplify underrepresented voices while engaging audiences with fresh perspectives. Troika’s creative producers are Antonia Lange, Faten Bushehri, and James Weisz.