Blue Jean

As Section 28 is set to pass (the late-80s set of British laws that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality), a closeted P.E. teacher sees her carefully constructed life unravel when a bullied new student discovers her secret and threatens her career in this provocative drama loosely based on “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” —M.G.

In her attempts to drown out news reports of Britain’s Clause 28 (legislation intended to prohibit the promotion of homosexuality), Jean prefers mindless episodes of Blind Date. As a lesbian P.E. teacher in the 1980s, Jean feels torn between her liberated circle of friends and the immense pressure to hide her sexuality for fear of society’s harsh backlash. Only behind closed doors with girlfriend Viv can Jean truly be herself, until one of her students spots her at her favorite nightclub. Terrified of being outed, Jean must face her conscience and decide whether to protect herself or finally own her truth. BLUE JEAN offers a viscerally conflicted snapshot of impossible choices in the struggle to find where—or if—we have a place in this world to be accepted unconditionally. —A.B.