On a housing estate in south London, two young men gradually discover their affection for each other
During a long hot summer in south London, Jamie is bunking off school more than usual, scurrying back to the TV and the flat in the Thamesmead estate where he lives with his mother Sandra. Whilst his neighbour Leah, who's been kicked out of school, spends her days listening to Mama Cass records.
In the same block is Jamie's sporty classmate Ste, whose home life is punctuated by the regular beatings he receives from both his father and brother. One night, in a bid to escape the violence, Ste takes refuge in Sandra's flat and sleeps head to toe with Jamie. As Sandra struggles with a job promotion and her relationship with her hippy boyfriend Tony, Jamie and Ste gradually discover their affection for each other.
Newly recorded audio commentary with director Hettie Macdonald, writer Jonathan Harvey and assistant director Susie Liggat
Beautiful Thing Q&A (2023, 32mins): a post-screening Q&A with Jonathan Harvey, Hettie Macdonald, Susie Liggat and cast member Glen Berry
Living at Thamesmead (1974, 25 mins): a short film produced and directed by Charmian and Jack Saward showing the architecture and landscaping of Thamesmead and everyday lives of the residents
Crashing Waves (2018, 4 mins): a short film in which two young men connect, set against the backdrop of a high-rise housing estate
Beautiful Thing Rainbow Plaque Unveiling (2023, 1 min): London LGBTQ+ Forums' Network rainbow plaque unveiling at The Greenwich Tavern (formerly The Gloucester)
Theatrical trailer
**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film by Simon McCallum and David Robson, ‘In Praise of Beautiful Thing’ by Emily Maskell, writing on the film’s soundtrack by Vic Pratt and an original review
Beautiful Thing Rainbow Plaque Unveiling (2023, 1 min): London LGBTQ+ Forums' Network and Studio Voltaire rainbow plaque unveiling at The Greenwich Tavern (formerly The Gloucester)
