Young Soul Rebels

Young Soul Rebels masterfully combines thriller and gay love story elements with a larger exploration of London’s political and cultural landscape in the late 1970s. The film follows two friends, Chris and Caz, who run a pirate radio station and share a love for soul music. The murder of their friend TJ while cruising for sex in a local park turns their world upside down and strains their relationship. Young Soul Rebels touches on race, class, and sexuality and delves into social and political issues with unflinching honesty. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film’s soundtrack and beautifully shot scenes in the city’s soul clubs celebrate the joy and vibrancy of youth culture. 

Directed by Isaac Julien. Written by Paul Hallam, Julien, Derrick Saldaan McClintock. UK, France, Germany, Spain. 1 hour and 45 minutes. Rated R. Co-presented by OutFilmCT.