In from the Side – A Quietly Radical Love Story Set on the Rugby Field
In from the Side, released in 2022 and directed by Matt Carter, is a poignant, grounded romantic drama that sets itself apart from traditional LGBTQ+ narratives by focusing not on coming out or homophobia, but on the complexities of love, loyalty, and emotional entanglement within a thriving, openly gay community. Set in the rugged world of amateur rugby, the film explores a forbidden romance that’s messy, tender, and refreshingly authentic.
The story centers on Mark (Alexander Lincoln), a relatively new member of a gay rugby team in London. In a moment of emotional vulnerability and impulsive connection, he begins an affair with Warren (Alexander King), one of the team’s star players. Both men are already in long-term relationships — relationships that are comfortable but emotionally stagnant. What starts as a secret tryst evolves into something far deeper and more dangerous, threatening not only their personal lives but the tight-knit dynamics of the team.
Unlike many queer films that focus on identity crises or external oppression, In from the Side takes place in a world where everyone is already out — and that's where its emotional tension thrives. The stakes aren’t about societal acceptance, but about the very human themes of betrayal, emotional honesty, and moral compromise. The film treats its characters’ sexuality as a given, shifting the spotlight to the universal complexities of infidelity, intimacy, and the desire for meaningful connection.
The chemistry between Lincoln and King is intense and believable. Their performances bring depth to two men struggling with conflicting emotions: desire and guilt, love and fear, connection and obligation. Mark is torn between the safe but distant relationship with his partner Richard and the raw, immediate connection he feels with Warren. Warren, in turn, is in a long-term relationship with John, whose devotion and vulnerability make the affair even more morally tangled.
Visually, In from the Side is soft and immersive. The cinematography lingers on muddy fields, locker room glances, quiet nighttime conversations, and intimate moments that feel both erotic and emotionally charged. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera work gives the film a grounded, almost documentary-like feel, enhancing the realism of its emotional stakes.
What truly sets the film apart is its refusal to villainize anyone. There are no clear antagonists — just flawed, deeply human people trying to navigate love and loyalty in a world where choices carry weight. The rugby team itself becomes a kind of surrogate family, making the risks of the affair even more severe. If discovered, it could fracture not just relationships, but an entire community built on trust and camaraderie.
In from the Side is a story about longing and the spaces between emotional truths and moral responsibilities. It doesn’t offer easy resolutions or dramatic confrontations. Instead, it opts for emotional realism: slow-burning pain, small moments of joy, and the inevitability of consequences.
In the end, In from the Side is a beautifully acted, emotionally honest film that expands the scope of LGBTQ+ storytelling. It dares to explore love not as a political statement, but as something deeply personal, complicated, and human. It's a film that lingers — not because of what it declares, but because of what it quietly understands.
