Dating Amber

The story unfolds in 1995, set against the backdrop of The Curragh, Ireland, where two teenagers, Eddie and Amber, find themselves marginalized and deeply affected by continuous homophobic harassment. In a bid for safety and acceptance, they decide to present themselves as a straight couple, masking their true selves from their conservative rural community.

Amber dreams of breaking free from the shadow of her father’s tragic suicide and yearns for a vibrant lesbian punk lifestyle in a more accepting locale. To gather funds for her escape to London, she secretly rents out caravans, providing discreet getaways for couples at a campsite managed by her mother. Meanwhile, Eddie grapples with his insecurities about his identity, feeling pressured to follow in the footsteps of his often-unattentive father by enlisting in the Irish Army, as societal norms dictate.

Their lives take a pivotal turn during trips to Dublin, where they start to immerse themselves in the local LGBTQ+ culture. However, one fateful night at a gay bar, Eddie’s growing comfort leads him to share a passionate kiss with another man, only to have it witnessed by someone from their hometown. In a surge of panic, he reacts violently, attacking both the man and bystanders who saw the moment unfold. Concurrently, Amber discovers a romantic connection with Sarah, a girl she meets in the same gay bar, adding layers of complexity to her journey of self-acceptance.

In a moment of courage, Amber comes out to her mother, who, upon meeting Sarah, realizes that her daughter desires to be with her girlfriend. Unfortunately, this newfound openness is cut short when a local priest betrays her trust during confession, inadvertently outing Amber to their tight-knit community.

Conflict arises for Eddie as he struggles to come to terms with the dissolution of their charade. His frustration leads him to insult Amber in public and attempt to pursue a conventional romance with schoolmate Tracey, all while preparing to join the army.

As Eddie prepares to leave for basic training, Amber confronts him, offering her hard-earned savings as a means to escape the façade of their lives. In a moment of hesitation, Eddie finally embraces his true identity and accepts the money for a train ticket to freedom. He opens the box holding the cash, only to uncover half of a photo booth strip featuring their faces — a symbol of their shared past. As the movie draws to a close, we see both Eddie and Amber smiling, having taken significant steps toward accepting who they truly are, united in their journeys of self-discovery and resilience.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:54