By Gary M. Kramer—
The Mostly British Film Festival, screening February 5–12 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco, offers a cornucopia of films from the U.K., Ireland. Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The festival provides a chance to see a few films prior to their upcoming theatrical release, including Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and heartthrob Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff,and My Father’s Shadow, the U.K.’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature.
Two classic films with queer talent will screen at the festival. The1964 Oscar-winning Tom Jones(February 7 at 4:45 pm),directed by bisexual filmmaker Tony Richardson, features Albert Finney in a fabulous performance as the lusty, titular scoundrel. Among the film’s highlights is its famous eating scene. The 1982 Oscar-winner Chariots of Fire(February 9 at 4:30 pm),costars Ben Cross and the late gay actor Ian Charleston as Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell respectively, who represented Great Britian as runners in the 1924 Olympics. Queer icon John Gielgud appears in a supporting role.
Among the newer films screening at the Mostly British Film Festival is the feel-good Irish comedy Four Mothers (February 8 at 3:15 pm),which hasharried gay YA novelist Edvard (James McArdle) caring for his ailing widowed mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan), who has been debilitated after a stroke. Although speechless, Alma can still manage to make demands of and chastise her adult son using a computer. When Edvard is asked to participate in a book tour in the states, he struggles with getting care for Alma. Making matters worse, his friends all head off to a Pride event, leaving theirmothers in Edvard’s care. Four Mothers is a bit farcical as Edvard tries to manage everyone’s needs but his own. He is given some assistance from his ex, Raf (Gaetan Garcia), a nurse, but what Edvard really needs is a backbone because he is taken advantage of too easily. Cue him denying the ladies a trip to Galway to see a medium—then getting on a bus to take them. The humor is gentle, and the emotions are sincere in this crowd-pleaser.
The festival also offers audiences a chance to see The History of Sound(February 6 at 7:30 pm) on thebig screen.This delicate romance has Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor) meeting in 1917, when Lionel—who has the gift of being able to “see music”—attends a conservatory in Boston on a scholarship. Bonding over folk songs, the young men begin a tender romance that continues when they embark on a song collecting trip together in Maine.
Out gay director Oliver Hermanus’ film is full of aching restraint, which is why it is so moving. Mescal gives an incredibly internal performance; as Lionel stares at David, viewers can see him falling in love. David, too, admires Lionel, a man whose passion for music matches his. While the men are affectionate, they also must contend with uncertain futures. David is sent off to war, and Lionel must return to his family’s farm in Kentucky. Over the course of several years, Lionel and David navigate their lives, love, and loss. Hermanus films The History of Sound as a slow burn that builds quietly to an emotional conclusion.
Four films without queer content are worth seeking out at the fest.
Inside (February 12 at 4:30 pm), is a rock-solid Australian drama about Mel Blight (Vincent Miller), a young man relocated to an adult prison. In this dangerous environment, Mel encounters two very different men—Mark (Cosmo Jarvis), his cellmate who committed an unspeakable crime, and Warren Murfett (Guy Pearce) who may be using Mel for his own gain. Inside is a tough but engrossing film, and Jarvis gives a blistering performance.
The Mostly British Film Festivalalso provides a chance to catch two strong directorial debuts by actors from last year. Urchin(February 10 at 5 pm), helmed by Harris Dickinson, has Mike (Frank Dillane), a young homeless addict trying to improve his life but struggling in the process. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (February 10 at 7:30 pm), directedby Embeth Davidtz, is a stunning adaptation of Alexandre Fuller’s memoir set in Rhodesia during the 1970s. This tactile film is told from the point of view of Bobo (Lexi Venter), an 8-year-old girl whose parents (Davidtz and Rob van Vuuren) are grappling with oncoming political change.
Lastly, Christy (February 8 at 5:15 pm) is an enjoyable—and enjoyably foul-mouthed—character study about the teenage Christy (Danny Power), who is forced to move in with his older brother Shane (Diarmuid Noyes) after a foster situation falls through. Christy slowly makes friends and finds purpose giving haircuts, but he is also tempted by the criminal ways of his cousins.
For tickets, a complete schedule, and additional information, visit https://mostlybritish.org/
© 2026 Gary M. Kramer
Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on IG @garyemkramer
Film
Published on January 29, 2026
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