The Feels


The Feels is a 2017 dramedy film directed by Jenée LaMarque.

Synopsis

The Feels is an improvised comedy about a group of friends who set out on a lesbian bachelorette weekend, celebrating the upcoming nuptials of Andi and Lu. Under the influence of alcohol, Lu admits to everyone that she's never had an orgasm, to Andi's complete surprise and dismay. The fun weekend is derailed in unexpected ways, causing everyone to reflect on subjects such as trust, love, and their first orgasms.

Cast

critic Dennis Harvey called the film "uneven but pleasing", predicting a target audience following in LGBT circles, and modest mainstream success. He concluded that the film fell somewhat short as a drama, because it didn't reach the necessary depth of the characters, but that "as a comedy, “The Feels” has considerable sprightly appeal, although it could have used slightly more assertive visual packaging. The dialogue and scene rhythms have a nice, loose, improvisational feel, and Steph Zenee Perez's editing maintains a bright pace." Cinema365 also gave the film a mixed review: The critique found it refreshing to see lesbians given the front and center of a film, as "often Hollywood tends to give the lesbian community short shrift, relegating them to supporting roles or comedy relief. Very rarely are any films told from a lesbian point of view even in independent films as this one is." The review called upon mainstream audiences to view it, and not see it as a lesbian niche work. On the negative side, however, this review also found the drama of the film "manufactured rather than earned."
Womentainment, on the other hand, gave the films an enthusiastic, unreserved "go watch it now!". Reviewer Karina H. Adelgaard found all the characters likable, enjoyed the "lesbian drama", and especially commended the film for being a lesbian drama with a happy ending.

Awards

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2018Cleveland International Film FestivalBest American Independent FeatureJenée LaMarque
2018Cleveland International Film FestivalReelWomenDirect Award for Excellence in Directing by a WomanJenée LaMarque
2017L.A. OutfestOutstanding Actress in a Feature FilmEver Mainard
2017Long Beach QFilm FestivalOutstanding PerformanceEver Mainard
2017NewFest: New York's LGBT Film FestivalBest FeatureThe Feels
2017Seattle International Film FestivalNew American Cinema CompetitionJenée LaMarque