Do you believe in life beyond love? This question resonates through Cher’s iconic dance hit and serves as a central theme in the poignant yet humorous drama created by Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan. Alongside co-directing, Eyre-Morgan takes on the role of Benji, a thirty-something man seeking authentic relationships, who finds himself repeatedly disappointed by a series of unsuitable partners. Following his recent split from Jake (David Tag), a charismatic personal trainer harboring secrets, Benji spirals into a cycle of excessive drinking, drug use, and fleeting encounters—temporary escapes to dull his heartache. A trip to Amsterdam, the city that symbolizes his past romance with Jake, further complicates his emotional turmoil.

Despite addressing significant themes like body image, familial rejection, and toxic masculinity, Departures skillfully avoids becoming overly sentimental, instead opting for a blend of dark humor and vibrant visuals. The film employs innovative elliptical editing to intertwine Benji’s self-destructive behavior with memories of Jake, creating a nonlinear narrative that mirrors the chaotic experience of heartbreak. Eyre-Morgan’s chemistry with Tag enhances the film, and much of the story unfolds through Benji’s introspective voice, marked by sharp wit and candid vulnerability.

However, the film’s reliance on voiceover can occasionally disrupt its pacing, particularly during poignant moments. Rather than allowing the imagery to convey emotions, the narration often articulates the characters’ feelings, leading to an overload of exposition through flashbacks. Nonetheless, Departures stands out as a profound examination of love and personal identity, effectively highlighting emerging talent from the northern film scene.

Departures will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland starting April 17th.