Director and cinematographer Darius Shu brings a quiet perspective to modern romance in his latest project, Molly. Starring Hiroki Berrecloth and Frank Kauer, the film follows two men who strike up an unexpected acquaintance in a neighbourhood laundrette. As their bond deepens into romance, they must decide what they owe to each other.
The production earned a nomination for Best British Short at the Iris Prize 2026, one of the foremost LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world. UK viewers will soon watch the film nationwide, thanks to an acquisition deal that brings Molly to Channel 4 for on-demand streaming alongside a television broadcast on Film4.
“MOLLY was about capturing a different perspective of intimacy and queer relationships as it explores the quiet, often unspoken spaces of companionship, desire, and emotional intimacy between two men,” Shu said.
Read more: Darius Shu Interview: Reclaiming Quiet Intimacy in His New Film ‘Molly’
British East Asian Representation on Screen
Beyond exploring modern dating culture, the project addresses the ongoing lack of representation for British East Asian talent in British television and cinema.
“British East Asian stories and films remain largely invisible,” Shu noted. “MOLLY is about changing that and showing what could a long-form feature or TV series could look like, telling something honest, deeply felt and universally human, while presenting characters who are complex and far from one-dimensional and that East Asians are also part of the fabric of British society.”
Shu handled the cinematography himself, keeping the visual approach grounded in stillness and physical proximity.
Read more: Kawan! Kawan!: Dialogues between Southeast Asian art
“For me, it always comes down to where the camera should be, how to tell the story without relying on standard coverage,” Shu explained. “Being close to the actors allowed me to find the rhythm of the characters and shape how intimate the film could feel.”
Executive produced by Kaushik Ray alongside producer Pooja Chauhan under Taran Tantra Telefilms, the four-year project features supporting performances from Aldous Ciokajlo-Squire, Kaja Chan, Kadell Herida, Xander Pang, and Tatum Swithenbank. You can watch Molly on Film4 and stream it on Channel 4 later this year.
