The State of Us: A Powerful Exploration of Male Friendship
· music
The State of Us: Samuel Bottomley Breaks Callum Scott Howells Out of Hospice for One Final Hurrah in Edinburgh-Bound Indie (Exclusive Clip)
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is set to premiere Ollie Gardner and Jake Harvey’s debut feature, The State of Us, a film that explores the complexities of male friendship in the face of mortality. The movie follows Frankie (Samuel Bottomley), a charismatic but troubled young man who breaks his terminally ill best friend Taylor (Callum Scott Howells) out of hospice care for one final night of revelry.
Gardner and Harvey are keenly aware of their subject matter’s nuances, particularly the stigma surrounding male vulnerability. According to Gardner, his goal is to “plant a small seed in the discourse of masculinity,” allowing young men to see themselves reflected in the on-screen relationships. This pursuit is no trivial endeavor; traditional notions of masculinity have long suppressed emotions and intimacy, leaving many men feeling isolated.
The characters in The State of Us are loosely based on Harvey’s own childhood friendships, including one who succumbed to cancer at 18. This personal connection lends the film a sense of authenticity, making it clear that Gardner and Harvey are drawing from real-life experiences when crafting their narrative. The result is a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival has long been a haven for innovative storytelling, and this year’s competition slate is no exception. According to festival director Paul Ridd, the 2026 lineup is the most impressive since the event’s reboot three years ago. With The State of Us at its forefront, it’s clear that this film is more than just a poignant drama – it’s a powerful commentary on what it means to be human.
Gardner and Harvey are also mindful of their target audience, hoping to reach viewers with a sense of humor that’s both accessible and authentic. By blending dark humor with nuanced exploration of male friendship, they’re aiming to bridge the gap between indie and mainstream appeal.
The preview clip released by THR offers a glimpse into the film’s tone and themes, showcasing Bottomley and Howells in all their glory. The exclusive clip hints at the world where emotions are raw, relationships are real, and the boundaries between friend and family are delightfully blurred.
As the Edinburgh International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday with Louis Paxton’s The Incomer, audiences will be treated to a slate of films that promise to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and ignite meaningful conversations. The State of Us is just one of many stories waiting to be told – but it’s one that deserves our attention.
With its unflinching gaze into the heart of masculinity, The State of Us has the potential to spark a much-needed conversation about what it means to be human. Whether it will be a cultural phenomenon remains to be seen, but for now, let’s appreciate this film’s bold attempt to break down the barriers that separate us – one friendship at a time.
Reader Views
- KJKris J. · music critic
While I appreciate the attempt to tackle the complexities of male friendship and vulnerability in The State of Us, I worry that this film may perpetuate a simplistic solution by relying on a narrative arc that ultimately allows its protagonist to "break free" from societal expectations. What's more nuanced is the everyday struggle to maintain these relationships when we're not in crisis mode – how do we foster real intimacy and connection without the gravity of mortality? The film's exploration of masculinity feels timely, but I'd like to see it pushed further into the realm of the mundane.
- TSThe Stage Desk · editorial
While Gardner and Harvey's film is commendable for tackling the complexities of male friendship and vulnerability, its portrayal of terminal illness and hospice care feels sanitized. The decision to break Taylor out of hospice for one final night raises questions about the ethics of exploiting someone's mortality for entertainment value. This narrative choice risks romanticizing the hospice experience, glossing over the very real emotional and practical challenges that come with caring for a loved one in their final days.
- IOImani O. · indie musician
It's refreshing to see filmmakers tackling the complexities of male friendship and vulnerability head-on, but I'm concerned that The State of Us might be relying too heavily on its raw emotional content to make a point about masculinity. What I'd love to see explored further is how this story intersects with systemic issues like healthcare access and the structural barriers preventing men from seeking help when they need it most. A more nuanced approach would elevate the film's impact beyond just a powerful drama, but rather a catalyst for meaningful change.