Slap

'Slap' (2014) directed by Nick Rowland

A teenage boxer searching for self-definition gives into his true colours at the risk of losing everything.  

'Slap' is a short film directed by Nick Rowland, around 25 minutes long, following the self-discovery and struggle of Conner (Joe Cole), a champion boxer who secretly wears makeup and dresses up as a woman. We see  glimpse of his background, from a working class family and a father that consistently pushes the overly masculine narrative of boxing. His relationship with his girlfriend, Lola, seems okay and he seems happy. However, Conner finds his true happiness when in his room, trying on makeup.




This short film is a diverse coming-of-age dealing specifically with real-life LGBTQ+ issues in working class youth. It didn't completely rely on stereotypes, although gave two extremes of a representation of an overly masculine boy and extremely feminine traits, but the longer duration gave more time to explore and understand Conner's character.


The handheld camera and close-ups of the characters makes the film seem more realistic and gritty, especially when combined with the natural lighting.


This was probably my favourite out of the short films so far as the performance and subject really intrigued me.