Slap

 Slap

Slap (dir. Nick Rowland) follows Connor, a teenage boy struggling with self-expression through makeup and feminine clothing, while also being a respected boxer in his hypermasculine community. Set in a rough area of Liverpool, the film opens with Connor secretly applying makeup, only to panic and hide when his father calls him. This is contrasted with scenes of him boxing, highlighting the conflict between his true self and societal expectations. As Connor grows more confident, he attends a party in women's clothing, but his friends dismiss it as a joke, leading to frustration. Betrayed by his friend Archie and rejected by his girlfriend Lola, Connor's internal turmoil culminates in a violent outburst in the boxing ring, where he unleashes his pent-up rage on his opponent.

Mise-en-scene : The gloomy, dull setting reflects both the realistic weather and Connor's bleak outlook on his life, where he feels trapped in an identity he's expected to own. This contrasts with vibrant pops of colour when Connor expresses his true self in feminine clothing, symbolizing freedom and authenticity. The use of colour is expressionistic, mirroring the emotions of the characters. In the boxing room, the dominant red tones represent both bravery and anger, highlighting the internal conflict Connor faces.