Experiencing Madfabulous in an intimate, almost surreal screening room at Soho House set the tone perfectly because this is a film that demands atmosphere. And from the very first frame, it delivers something bold, unapologetic, and completely its own.
Premiering at BFI Flare before its theatrical release this June, Madfabulous feels like both a spectacle and a statement, a film that celebrates identity while quietly questioning the systems that try to contain it.
At the centre of the film is Henry Paget, brought to life by Callum Scott Howells in a performance that is nothing short of transformative. From the moment he arrives, Henry disrupts everything.
Set in 1890s North Wales, the film uses period drama as a canvas. Henry doesn’t just exist in that world… he challenges it, reshapes it, and forces it to react to him.
And that’s where the film becomes more than just a story. It becomes a conversation about identity.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Madfabulous is the way it portrays queerness. In a time where representation can sometimes fall into the trap of over-explanation or even over-sexualisation, this film takes a different route.It chooses respect. It allows queerness to exist naturally, confidently, and without justification. There’s no need to sensationalise it because the power lies in its authenticity and that choice elevates the entire film and that honesty is what makes it so impactful.
It’s simple, but it cuts deep. Because beneath the extravagance, the costumes, and the theatricality, Madfabulous is also about reality, about what happens when fantasy collides with expectation, and when identity is forced to face the world as it is. That tension is what gives the film its emotional core.
Visually, the film is stunning. The costume department deserves serious recognition; every look feels intentional, expressive, and deeply connected to Henry’s evolution as a character. It’s not just fashion, it’s storytelling. The film embraces a full mise-en-scène approach; everything within the frame feels alive, reactive, and designed to reflect Henry’s presence.
Beyond Callum Scott Howells, the supporting cast adds depth, humour, and emotional grounding to the film. Ruby Stokes brings warmth and balance, while Rupert Everett delivers a performance that anchors the story with experience and nuance. Each character feels purposeful contributing to a world that is both extravagant and deeply human.
Despite being set in the 1890s, Madfabulous feels incredibly current. It explores: Acceptance, Authenticity, Social class and the pressure to conform and what’s most interesting is how these themes don’t feel historical, they feel now.
The film reminds us that the struggle to be yourself, fully and unapologetically, is not new. But it is still ongoing. Madfabulous is loud, expressive and unapologetically different.
But beneath all that, there’s a softness. A vulnerability. A reminder that behind every act of boldness is a human being trying to be seen, understood, and accepted.
