What To Watch: Rugby-Themed Short Film “Mab Hudel”

The acclaimed short film Mab Hudel (translation “The Magical Son”), a crowd-pleaser at film festivals worldwide, follows Enys, played by Chris Jenkins, who some might call “a man’s man.” He’s a farmer who takes care of his family, can chug down a pint with the best of them, and is something of a legend as the team captain of his local rugby club. He’s also a bit out of sorts, having had little time to spend with Hikka (Rick Yale), his secret boyfriend. The film opens with Enys hungover from the previous night’s victory celebration. He makes his way through his daily farm chores, and eventually ekes out a few private moments with Hikka at the beach. But a big rugby match is coming up, and Enys develops pre-game jitters when he realizes that he will be battling against his not-so-secret boyfriend on the field. Ultimately, the movie utilizes the aggression of brutal sport as a metaphor for the churning tides of intimacy. The earthy cinematography and visceral climactic moment help to deliver a satisfying viewing experience. The short film was written and directed by Edward Rowe and shot in southwest England using Cornish dialogue. The pensive “day in the life” affair featuring testosterone-driven gay rugby players is delivered in a quick 12 minutes. What’s not to like? Mab Hudel is available on Dekkoo, the only streaming service dedicated to gay men. Check out the trailer below. https://youtu.be/Gq2P9nNnn_Y?si=EMLcy5ilGd9yOBIx


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