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LONDON — Writer-director James Weisz has officially started production on his latest project, ‘Adonis,’ a queer comedy that brings vulnerability and humour together in a fresh, relatable story. Produced by Victoria Haycroft and the Troika Film Collective, the short film explores body image, self-confidence, and identity through a modern LGBTQ+ lens.
‘Adonis’ tells 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, the film captures a universal truth: no matter who we are, many of us have felt like the odd one out in our own skin.
The ensemble cast is led by Kane Surry (‘In From the Side,’ ‘The Grass Is Always Grindr’) and includes Nadine Wild-Palmer, Matthew Hartley, Carly Thoms, Lavan Jeyarupalingam, and Charly Gautier.
“‘Adonis’ is a very personal story, but one that has resonated with everyone who’s read the script,” Weisz said. “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.’ For me, the film is about courage, self-acceptance, and the quiet strength it takes to stand in your own body without apology.”
‘Adonis’ is proud to support LGBT Hero and MindOut, two organisations championing LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing.
James Weisz is a U.K.-based writer-director known for nuanced, intimate storytelling; his previous works include ‘In Battle,’ ‘Silver Lining,’ and ‘Intervention Snacks.’ Troika Film Collective is an independent production company dedicated to bold, diverse storytelling with a social impact, with creative producers Antonia Lange, Faten Bushehri, and James Weisz.
