The film Three Letters is a poignant depiction of the LGBTQ+ and disability campaigner Paul Davies, who attempts to write a cathartic letter to the father who has repudiated him as his gay son. Writing the three letters in question, ‘dad’, appears to be conflicting to Paul, as he begins to unveil the awkward and aloof relationship that he has with his father.
When drunk, his perplexed father used to question why people would celebrate Pride. Paul would explain that it’s about the sense of unity and togetherness, to no avail. Although Paul’s relationship with his stepfather was not perfect, he still felt more of a son to him; in contrast, his relationship with his stepmother was magical, the pair talking for hours and delving into make-believe worlds together. The burial of Paul’s grandmother, two years to the writing of the letter, was the last time that Paul saw his father; later, as anticipated by Paul, the death of his beloved stepmother led to the final link broken between him and his father.
The skilful shots of Paul driving his Mini throughout the Three Letters felt like a literalization of the journey that he’s on: one of chasing approval, love and acceptance of his own father. By the virtue of honesty, Paul declared his own vulnerability. Our vulnerability, our own truth and sense of self are who we are. People, even our so-called family, sadly, can reject us for being our true honest self. Paul did not succeed to express his feelings in the letter to his father, as hoped, yet his courageous documentary succeeds to reach out to those struggling with family and rejection, simply by saying that you are not alone.
Three Letters was shown as part of the Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival 2021, held in Cardiff for its 15th year from Tue 5-Sun 10 Oct. It’s available to watch online until the end of the month. More info: here
Dir: Ian Smith (no rating, 7 mins)
words MARED THOMAS for BUZZ CULTURE
Buzz Culture
Discover how our brand new learning experience is giving young people in Wales the skills they need to get ahead