Too Rough is an emotionally charged short film written and directed by Scottish filmmaker Sean Lionadh, celebrated for its raw honesty and intimate portrayal of love, vulnerability, and the impact of a troubled upbringing. Premiering in 2022, the film has received critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling and powerful performances, earning recognition at film festivals worldwide. Despite its brief runtime, Too Rough delivers an intensity and emotional depth that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.
The story centers on Nick (Ruaridh Mollica), a young man who wakes up one morning in his family’s cramped and chaotic home with his boyfriend, Charlie (Joshua Griffin), lying next to him. The situation is tense—Nick comes from a volatile household where his family’s hostility, disapproval, and unpredictable behavior threaten to expose and harm his relationship. As the two quietly navigate the morning, the viewer senses the precarious balance Nick is trying to maintain: protecting Charlie from his family while also protecting himself from their judgment and emotional abuse.
The title, Too Rough, carries a double meaning—it refers not only to the physical intimacy between Nick and Charlie, but also to the harshness of the environment in which their love exists. The film is set almost entirely within the confines of Nick’s bedroom, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and entrapment. Through careful pacing and subtle dialogue, Lionadh captures the quiet moments of tenderness between the two young men while contrasting them with the looming threat outside the door.
Cinematographer Alasdair Boyce uses natural light and close-up framing to great effect, drawing the audience into the private world Nick and Charlie share, even as that world feels fragile and temporary. The camera lingers on fleeting touches, hesitant glances, and the unspoken communication between the characters, emphasizing the power of small moments in an otherwise hostile environment. The sound design, marked by muffled voices and background noise from the rest of the house, serves as a constant reminder of the danger and tension just beyond their sanctuary.
Ruaridh Mollica delivers a standout performance as Nick, portraying a character torn between fear and longing. His expressions reveal layers of internal conflict—shame, love, and the desperate hope for a life free from judgment. Joshua Griffin’s Charlie brings warmth and reassurance, acting as both a source of comfort and a reminder of what Nick stands to lose. The chemistry between the actors feels authentic, capturing the delicate balance between intimacy and insecurity.
What makes Too Rough especially impactful is its refusal to romanticize hardship. The film does not offer an easy resolution; instead, it focuses on a single, poignant moment that encapsulates the challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals in unaccepting environments. The ending is quietly devastating yet filled with emotional truth, leaving audiences to reflect on the resilience of love in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, Too Rough is a tender yet unflinching exploration of how love can exist in fragile spaces, constantly threatened by the world beyond. It is a testament to the importance of safe havens—both physical and emotional—and to the courage it takes to protect them. In just a few minutes, Sean Lionadh crafts a work that is as haunting as it is beautiful, proving that brevity can amplify rather than diminish emotional impact.
