Makeup

Two unlikely roommates connect in a harsh and unforgiving world in Hugo Andre and Will Masheter’s feature film, Makeup. Sacha (Hugo Andre) is a new transplant from his homeland of France to the UK. Striking out on his own, this independent food critic finds the only refuge he can afford by renting a room with businessman Dan (Will Masheter). The two are from different backgrounds, but they manage to be cordial despite a slight language barrier to overcome.

Immediately Sacha goes about his day on his job, visiting restaurants. When he returns home, he hears a strange noise coming from Dan’s room and discovers Dan in full-drag makeup… as Danielle. Startled, Sacha backs away, trying to make sense of the situation.To soothe the situation, Dan invites Sacha to one of his performances. During the show, some of Dan’s co-workers are in the audience and he fears repercussions at work the following day.

Makeup is a story of life’s outcasts. Sacha has been exiled from the restaurant community in France. Emotionally and psychologically beaten, he is trying to start fresh. On the other hand, Dan is trying to live two lives. “The tightly-dressed businessman is working hard to earn a living and pay his bills.” Then there’s Danielle. Danielle is full of life and gets to open up and express herself. Here, Dan can reconnect with his love of dance, which he developed as a youth.

“When he returns home, he…discovers Dan in full-drag makeup…as Danielle.”

I almost prefer these stories to be told at an independent level rather than have Big Hollywood abscond with the story. Being an independent film, Makeup is Hugo Andre and Will Masheter’s story. Theirs and only theirs. It’s heartfelt and very personal. That feels much more authentic. All a big studio would do is foist a stack of notes telling the pair how their story should be spoon fed to modern audiences.

As a film, Makeup can feel slow and meticulous. It hits on the idea that those areas in our lives that make up differences should be stifled away…hidden from view. As in both life and the movies, this constant act of hiding oneself means that you’ll get exposed at precisely the wrong time. For Dan, he finds that embracing Danielle is the best way to “come out,” as it were. He makes no apologies and encourages friends and co-workers to see Danielle for who she is.

Ultimately Makeup, is about a friendship that starts unexpectedly and evolves throughout the story. Andre portrays the character of Sacha as an introverted person who has been through many hardships in life and relationships in France. However, he must work through his feelings and confusion to form a bond with Dan/Danielle.

Having seen a significant number of LGBT films over the past decade, I can say that Makeup‘s story isn’t exactly new, but what sets it apart from the pack is that the guiding force behind the story is how friendship can be forged in the most unlikely circumstances, and how friends stand up and support one another.