Get Real

Released 1998
Stars Ben Silverstone, Brad Gorton, Charlotte Brittain, Stacey Hart, Kate McEnery, Patrick Nielsen, Tim Harris, Jacquetta May, David Lumsden
Directed by Simon Shore

In the hands of director Simon Shore and playwright/screenwriter Patrick Wilde, Get Real is a witty, touching and honest portrayal of the difficult teen years that are made all the more difficult by society’s lack of acceptance of homosexuality. Steven Carter (Ben Silverstone) is a 16 year-old English fellow who knows he’s gay, but keeps it to himself. He already gets enough rough treatment from his school’s bullies, and doesn’t wish to invite any more. John Dixon (Brad Gorton) is in quite a different situation. He’s a student leader who has everything – wealth, good looks, athletic skill, social acceptance and a beautiful girlfriend. There’s little that Steven and John have in common – or so it seems at first. Naturally, Steven has a crush on the unattainable John. But what would happen if the feelings were mutual? This is the central question of Get Real. What makes this film so successful is its ability to maintain good-natured wit even while being honest about what really might happen to Stephen and John. 

Summary by Brian Webster