Billy Elliot (2000)

Billy Elliot

• This has been at the top of my watchlist for quite literally six months now, but it has not streamed anywhere other than places to rent. I swear I checked every week to see if it was streaming, until finally, Letterboxd sent me a notification saying “Billy Elliot is now streaming on your favorite platforms” so I LOCKED IN. It definitely wasn’t my favorite film I’ve ever watched, but it’s extremely memorable and I’m glad that I can say I’ve seen it. It’s such a beautiful story, and even though it’s hard to sit through (because of the homophobia and troublesome adults), it’s ultimately worth it. I also love it because it’s very queer-coded, at least in my eyes. Fighting against conformity and gender norms is always a key theme in that sense, and the gay representation is subtle yet important. Either way, it’s very heartwarming and funny, though still gritty and serious. I think what also helps carry the film is the British backdrop. Not just the physical environment, but the time, the stigmas, and the mining strike. Everything builds an immersive setting that helps you understand Billy and his family. Even though his family (other than Grandma and dead mom) are twats, at least until the end. The performances are all fairly decent, though Julie Walters deserved her Oscar nomination, and Jamie Bell……well, the fact that he wasn’t nominated for Best Actor is a crime against humanity. He’s the youngest BAFTA winner for Actor in a Leading Role, and the fact that the Academy failed to also do so…..criminal. It’s one of the best child performances of the entire 21st century. He’s very vulnerable and innocent, yet he holds his own and makes his own path. Plus, his physicality for the dance scenes is very impressive. The “I Love to Boogie” scene and dance around town scene was so elevating. All of that being said, this film didn’t blow my socks off or anything, and felt a bit long through the second act. The writing is a bit run-of-the-mill at times, but on the flipside, some of the scenes are just masterful. It kind of fluctuates. The soundtrack is killer though, the choreography is great, and it has strong messaging. I’ll definitely revisit it at some point in the future, and I know I’ll probably enjoy it more a second time. I would recommend this to all drama fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!