In from the Side
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In from the Side
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that In from the Side is a British romantic drama about two rugby players who embark on an affair, with scenes of a sexual nature, strong language, and excessive drinking. Mark Newton (Alexander Lincoln) and Warren Hunt (Alexander King) plays for an all-gay rugby club in London. They start a relationship leading to them lying to their partners and sneaking around behind their backs. There is a lot of passionate kissing and one sex scene is fairly graphic, while another implies oral sex is taking place. There is also full nudity both in a sexual and non-sexual context. The film does a good of avoiding stereotypes when it comes to the players, with no character treated the same. However, the majority of the film centers on Mark and Warren, so little backstory is given to the supporting characters and there is little diversity when it comes to race, gender, or class. The rugby club has a drinking culture with the players regularly seen downing beer and shots, leading to drunken behavior. Strong language is also prominent including variants of "f--k," "c--t," and "d--k."
What's the Story?
IN FROM THE SIDE follows the turbulent romance between two rugby players, Mark Newton (Alexander Lincoln) and Warren Hunt (Alexander King). With both men already in existing relationships -- Warren with a fellow teammate -- their affair threatens not only the lives they have made for themselves but also the gay rugby club they both play for.
Is It Any Good?
This low-budget British gay romantic drama deserves credit for avoiding some of the cliches often found with LGBTQ+ characters. At the center of In from the Side are two rugby players, who rather than hide their sexuality from society, friends, or family, are very much out and proud. But nor does the film suggest this is anything to be surprised by. However, the fact that both Mark and Warren are already in relationships does lead to much sneaking around as their longing glances lead to something much more physical. While the film is beautifully shot, some of the acting is wooden, and there are a handful of scenes that feel unsubtle or just plain cheesy. It's also at least half an hour too long. Yet despite these shortcomings, there is an authenticity to the film that pulls you in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how In from the Side portrayed sex and relationships. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the movie present drinking? Why do you think it played such in important role in the players' lives?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 20, 2023
- Cast: Alexander Lincoln, Alexander King, William Hearle
- Director: Matt Carter
- Studio: Strand Releasing
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 0 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 18, 2023
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