Ben Hardy Stars in Queer Romance ‘Unicorns’
Ben Hardy, known for his roles in “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “X-Men: Apocalypse,” is making waves with his latest film, “Unicorns.” This LGBTQ+ romantic drama, co-directed by BAFTA nominee Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, tells a compelling story of love and identity. Hardy plays Luke, a single father and mechanic from Essex, who embarks on an unexpected romance with a South Asian drag queen, Aysha, portrayed by Jason Patel.
In “Unicorns,” Hardy takes on a role unlike any he has played before. Luke is a character burdened by societal expectations and personal struggles, which Hardy brings to life with a raw and visceral performance. The actor’s dedication to the role included significant physical transformation and deep character study, capturing Luke’s journey through vulnerability and self-discovery.
Speaking about the project, Hardy expressed his excitement and challenges: “It was a challenging role for me, something I’d never played before,” he shared. “We spent hours and hours going through Luke, going through the script and story. To the point where we got to day one, I knew this story inside out”.
“Unicorns” not only explores the romantic connection between Luke and Aysha but also delves into broader themes of identity and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ and South Asian communities. The film highlights the complexities of living a double life and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. Jason Patel, making his feature film debut, delivers a powerful performance that complements Hardy’s portrayal of Luke, adding depth to their on-screen chemistry.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. It has been praised for its nuanced storytelling and authentic representation of queer relationships, with critics noting the strong performances by both Hardy and Patel.
As Hardy continues to expand his acting repertoire, he remains committed to taking on diverse and challenging roles. Reflecting on his career, Hardy mentioned his desire to explore different genres and characters, including a potential venture into horror films and even a musical role inspired by his love for “The Greatest Showman”.
“Unicorns” is out in UK cinemas now, as has become an impactful addition to the canon of LGBTQ+ cinema. For fans and moviegoers, it offers a touching narrative of love, identity, and the transformative power of human connection.
For more information on Ben Hardy and his latest projects, visit Ben Hardy on IMDb.
[Image Credit: Unicorns from Signature Entertainment]
