Ben Hardy's 'Unicorns': Exploring Identity, Love, and the Vibrant South Asian Drag Scene
The world of cinema often acts as a mirror, reflecting diverse human experiences and shedding light on communities that might otherwise remain in the shadows.
Jason Patel's directorial debut, Unicorns, promises to do just that by plunging viewers into the heart of the "gaysian" scene - a powerful fusion of gay and Asian identities - and introducing them to its dazzling drag queens. At the forefront of this cinematic endeavor is actor Ben Hardy, whose involvement has naturally sparked conversations and, inevitably, speculation about his personal life and the themes explored in the film.
What's particularly compelling about Unicorns is its deep commitment to authenticity.
As director Floyd himself stated, "Everything in the film is based on either Asifa's experiences, my own experiences or South Asian drag queens that I now know very well - it all comes from reality." This dedication to grounding the narrative in lived experiences elevates the film beyond mere storytelling; it becomes a testament to the vibrant, often complex, realities of its subjects.
Ben Hardy's Role and a Surprise Encounter
In Unicorns, Ben Hardy takes on the role of Luke, a single father and mechanic whose life takes an unexpected turn.
His journey into the film's central narrative begins when he stumbles upon an underground club. It's here that he encounters Aysha, a captivating drag queen, and a moment of connection ensues. The spark between Luke and Aysha ignites a love story, but it's also the catalyst for Luke to discover the multifaceted world of drag and the individuals who inhabit it.
The casting for Unicorns reflects its dedication to showcasing the community it portrays.
While Patel, who plays Aysha, is not a real-life drag queen, a significant portion of the supporting cast comprises actual South Asian drag queens. This deliberate choice, facilitated by a social media casting call that saw audition tapes pour in from talented individuals, ensures a level of representation and understanding that is crucial for a film of this nature.
Navigating Identity and Representation in Film
The film's narrative, which centers on a love story between a white, heterosexual, working-class mechanic and a South Asian Muslim drag queen, is a bold exploration of diverse experiences and the power of human connection.
It bravely tackles themes of identity, love, and acceptance, shining a light on an often-underground cultural landscape.
This focus on underrepresented narratives is something director Floyd is passionate about. In a candid reflection, he questioned the oversaturation of stories focused on "privileged, white, middle-class, cis, heteronormative men," highlighting the urgent need for more diverse perspectives in cinema.
Unicorns, with its unique premise and authentic roots, certainly answers that call.
Ben Hardy: A Career of Diverse Roles and Public Interest
Ben Hardy, an actor who has steadily built a reputation for taking on varied and challenging roles since graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, has a career trajectory that speaks to his ambition and versatility.
Hailing from Dorset, his early years were spent honing his craft on the West End stage before he made a significant impact on the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders. This foundational experience paved the way for his eventual foray into Hollywood.
From his early days on EastEnders, Hardy demonstrated an ability to break through perceived barriers, transitioning seamlessly into major Hollywood productions.
He notably starred in X-Men: Apocalypse and the critically acclaimed Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, showcasing his range and commitment to his craft. His ambition, as described by those who have worked with him, is palpable; he appears perpetually focused on growth and achieving new levels of artistic fulfillment.
From Soap Operas to the Silver Screen
Hardy's journey from the familiar territory of a popular soap opera to the global stage of Hollywood is a testament to his dedication.
He himself has expressed surprise at the trajectory his career has taken, admitting, "I was never expecting in a million years that [X-Men] would have been my first job coming out of EastEnders." This highlights a natural progression fueled by opportunity and a willingness to embrace diverse projects.
His experience on set, even for a film like Bohemian Rhapsody where he portrayed Roger Taylor, was a collaborative one.
He's spoken fondly of his camaraderie with co-star Gwilym Lee, with whom he shared a bond that extended beyond the filming of the award-winning Queen biopic. These on-screen relationships often translate into lasting friendships, further enriching an actor's experience.
Exploring Character Depth: The Case of 'Delaney'
Beyond the blockbuster appeal, Hardy has also delved into more intimate projects, such as the 2020 film Delaney.
Playing the character of Simon, Hardy explored the complexities of obsessive love and toxic relationships. His portrayal of a man consumed by the memory of a past love and projecting an alpha male persona offered a deep dive into psychological nuances, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and embodying a wide spectrum of human emotion.
"My character [Simon] is obsessed with his girlfriend — the girl before who died three years ago — that was a kind of obsessive, toxic love," Hardy explained.
"He pretends to play an alpha male, within his own relationship, with his friends, but especially with his partner." This role allowed him to showcase a different facet of his acting prowess, moving beyond the more public-facing roles.
Addressing Speculation: The Nature of Fame and Personal Life
As is often the case with actors who achieve a certain level of fame, Ben Hardy's personal life has become a subject of public curiosity, particularly following his involvement in Unicorns.
The film's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and its casting of openly gay individuals naturally leads to questions about the personal beliefs and orientations of those involved.
In discussions surrounding the film, Hardy has spoken openly about his chemistry with his co-star, the openly gay British artist Patel.
While these discussions highlight professional collaboration and on-screen partnerships, they also, perhaps unintentionally, fuel speculation about Hardy's own sexuality. This is a common phenomenon in the age of social media and constant online discourse, where every public appearance and interview snippet can be dissected and interpreted.
The digital realm, including platforms like Instagram, has become a space where fans and observers alike seek glimpses into the lives of celebrities.
As Hardy himself has alluded to, engaging with this online community can open up conversations, and sometimes, a "drop in the open of what it's like to be an openly gay or queer person," leading to comments and direct messages that reflect the public's fascination with identity.
It's important to acknowledge that while celebrities are public figures, their personal lives remain their own.
The nuanced exploration of identity within Unicorns and the inherent curiosity it generates are distinct from any assumptions made about the private lives of its cast. Hardy's career has been marked by a consistent effort to take on diverse and meaningful roles, and his involvement in Unicorns stands as a testament to his artistic choices and his willingness to contribute to stories that matter.