Welsh actor Tom Cullen, known for his roles in “Downton Abbey” and “House of the Dragon,” has spoken candidly about his approach to portraying LGBTQ+ characters, emphasizing empathy and authenticity. His latest role as Barry in the mystery-thriller Black Church Bay sees him embody a closeted man grappling with the pressures of maintaining appearances in a tightly knit community. Cullen’s thoughtful perspective on queer roles highlights the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in cinema and the responsibility actors bear in telling these stories.
Balancing Authenticity and Empathy in Queer Roles
<pCullen insists that playing queer characters requires the same depth and care as any other role. “They are characters that you have to empathise with and understand,” he explained, underscoring that the core of acting is empathy regardless of a character’s sexual orientation. Drawing from his experience in the 2011 British romantic drama Weekend, his first gay role, Cullen shared that thorough research and conversations with LGBTQ+ friends were integral to his preparation. This dedication to authenticity reflects a growing trend among actors who seek to portray queer characters with nuance rather than resorting to stereotypes or superficial traits.
His commitment also speaks to the broader cultural shift in how queer stories are told. Cullen rejects the idea of pigeonholing queer cinema, noting that films like Weekend and Black Church Bay showcase a diverse spectrum of queer experiences. This diversity challenges audiences to see LGBTQ+ characters as fully realized individuals rather than one-dimensional figures defined solely by their sexuality.
Black Church Bay: A Dark, Unconventional Welsh Tale
Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Anglesey, Black Church Bay is a departure from typical British LGBTQ+ cinema. Written and directed by Welsh-Irish filmmaker Rhys Marc Jones, the film explores the unsettling unraveling of Barry’s life after an intimate encounter with a younger man. The script’s dark tone and exploration of secrecy and fear within a small community present a challenging narrative rarely seen in UK cinema.
Jones chose Anglesey deliberately, seeking a location that could embody both idyllic beauty and an underlying menace. The island’s dual nature mirrors Barry’s internal conflict—a place that is at once hopeful and brutally unforgiving. This setting amplifies the film’s themes of isolation and repression, grounding the story in a tangible sense of place that resonates with Welsh culture and landscape.
Welsh Pride and LGBTQ+ Storytelling
The film’s production in Wales, coupled with its screening at the Cardiff-based Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, highlights the region’s growing role as a hub for queer storytelling. The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a key platform for diverse LGBTQ+ voices and works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru. It champions stories that challenge norms and broaden the representation of queer experiences on screen.
Cullen, originally from Aberystwyth, expressed pride in the film’s Welsh roots and the opportunity to showcase the country’s landscapes and culture. His co-star Joe Locke, known for his role in Netflix’s Heartstopper, also connected with the setting, describing Anglesey’s island life as reminiscent of his own home on the Isle of Man. This regional authenticity enriches the film’s narrative and underscores the importance of place in LGBTQ+ cinema.
The Responsibility of Representation in Today’s Media
As LGBTQ+ representation continues to expand in film and television, actors like Cullen recognize the weight of their roles beyond entertainment. Portraying queer characters with respect and complexity can influence public perceptions and foster greater understanding. Cullen’s approach—rooted in empathy, research, and a refusal to simplify queer identities—sets a standard for how actors can contribute meaningfully to this cultural shift.
Moreover, films like Black Church Bay challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about secrecy, fear, and societal pressures within some queer communities, especially in more insular or rural settings. These stories complicate the often idealized portrayals of queer life, offering a more layered and honest depiction that resonates deeply with many viewers.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Queer Narratives
With the success of festivals like the Iris Prize and the increasing visibility of queer actors and filmmakers, the future of LGBTQ+ cinema in the UK looks promising. There is a growing appetite for stories that reflect the full diversity of queer experiences—from urban to rural, from joyful to dark, from young to old.
Tom Cullen’s thoughtful engagement with his roles exemplifies a broader commitment within the industry to elevate queer narratives with integrity. As audiences demand more authentic and varied representations, actors and filmmakers are responding with stories that challenge, inspire, and ultimately humanize the LGBTQ+ experience.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.