Kelly Walker’s feature directorial debut is a moving drama about loss and sexual identity that features great performances throughout. After the film’s premiere at the 13th annual Mardi Gras Film Festival, “My Fiona” went on to win many awards, including Burbank International Film Festival’s ‘Best LGBTQ Feature Film’ and Charlotte Film Festival’s ‘Best Narrative Feature’ award. The film was also chosen to be a part of the 2020 selection for the BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival—the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in Europe.
The Death of a Friend Leads to Unexpected Bonding
“My Fiona” follows Jane (Jeanette Maus) as she faces the aftermath of her best friend Fiona’s (Sara Amini), unexpected suicide. As Jane struggles to move on, she begins to form a relationship with Fiona’s widow Gemma (Corbin Reid) and her young son Bailey (Elohim Nycalove). As the women bond over their grief, their relationship becomes a much deeper affair that could end in disaster for both women.
Jeanette Maus gives a brilliant performance in her last on-screen role before her unfortunate death in early 2021; she leads a talented cast that all give strong performances throughout. Despite Fiona’s suicide taking place in the opening minutes, great performances and superb directing keep audiences intrigued and invested throughout. Kelly Walker not only directs the film, but the Australian filmmaker also penned the script, which also went on to win her the ‘Best Screenplay Jury Award’ at the 2021 Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQ film festival. Although the film is a portrayal of loss, it still manages to weave in light-hearted moments amongst its thematically-rich story.
The film touches on serious issues including the fallout that comes with losing the person you love, sexuality, and acceptance. “My Fiona” combines these themes into a complex story that pulls at your heartstrings. It also explores how relationships transform after traumatic experiences. “Hunting ISIS” and “Lamb Girl” cinematographer Laura Jansen provides the film with a contemporary, visually pleasing cinematography. Walker brings some of her own experiences to the film such as her surrogate older sister’s suicide and Walker’s frustration with the lack of bisexual stories portrayed on-screen.
Jeanette Maus and Elohim Nycalove in “My Fiona.” Photo: The Art Gallery.
A Film Full of Loss, but also Acceptance
“My Fiona” delves into the different ways people cope with loss. Gemma chooses to keep her head up and continue to work, whereas Jane shuts the world out; she even goes as far as taping her bedroom curtains shut. Viewers seeking a complex portrayal of grief and sexuality, that doesn’t feel like it drags on, should see “My Fiona” as a suitable addition to their watchlists. The film is an impressive feature debut from Kelly Walker as she presents audiences a film full of emotion.
Kelly Walker brings an emotionally-heavy, thematically-rich story to audiences that takes viewers on a journey of love, loss, and acceptance. “My Fiona” features great performances and attractive cinematography; it is a moving study of the emotional chaos that comes with the death of a loved one.
“My Fiona” is available to rent on Apple TV, or stream, rent, or buy on Hoopla, Vudu, Microsoft, Direct TV, and Amazon.
