What is this “Red” I always mention?
Red is a short film about James (Parker Queenan- you know, the one who played Reed) a 17 year old closeted boy who runs into an old hook up named Aaron (Jance Enslin but we call him yahns) a year later.
(or atleast I think it was a year- don’t quote me on this. there was some time amount)
Red is based off a short story that Scott Sullivan (the amazing director) wrote before college while in the closet about his struggles. Because he was in the closet, Red won’t have a happy ending. Scott won’t let us be disillusioned that it does. Red is about truth, not trying to please others.
Red is supposed to be heartbreaking. To invoke tears. To be *real*. When we watch Red, we are meant to feel what he felt growing up. To show people that not only are they not alone, but that their feelings are valid. Yes, there is a lot of us who wave our flags and that's amazing, but you shouldn’t feel shame for not wanting to either. Red is going to demonstrate a part of the journey to acceptance often overlooked, or downplayed.
With Red, Scott is showing the world that being LGBTQ+ isn’t all internal glitter and rainbows. There's pain. There’s tears. There’s hatred. Our biggest enemy isn’t always a different person, but rather ourselves.
It’s something we need to watch.
I know that I empathize Scott, a lot- but when it gets down to it, understanding that these are Scotts feelings is important. The fact that he’s there, exposing his darkest thoughts to everyone is proof that it *does* get better. Scott hated himself when he was younger, and even admitted to thinking about suicide, but he made it. He’s accepted himself. If he can feel all he did and be okay, then so can we. To understand Red, and that these aren’t just randomly decided angst scenes is important.
(i tagged andi mack because you guys are the ones who will most likely care)