Dating Amber 2020
Directed by
David Freyne
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Dating Amber (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The story unfolds in 1995, set against the backdrop of The Curragh, Ireland, where two teenagers, Eddie and Amber, find themselves marginalized and deeply affected by continuous homophobic harassment. In a bid for safety and acceptance, they decide to present themselves as a straight couple, masking their true selves from their conservative rural community.
Amber dreams of breaking free from the shadow of her father’s tragic suicide and yearns for a vibrant lesbian punk lifestyle in a more accepting locale. To gather funds for her escape to London, she secretly rents out caravans, providing discreet getaways for couples at a campsite managed by her mother. Meanwhile, Eddie grapples with his insecurities about his identity, feeling pressured to follow in the footsteps of his often-unattentive father by enlisting in the Irish Army, as societal norms dictate.
Their lives take a pivotal turn during trips to Dublin, where they start to immerse themselves in the local LGBTQ+ culture. However, one fateful night at a gay bar, Eddie’s growing comfort leads him to share a passionate kiss with another man, only to have it witnessed by someone from their hometown. In a surge of panic, he reacts violently, attacking both the man and bystanders who saw the moment unfold. Concurrently, Amber discovers a romantic connection with Sarah, a girl she meets in the same gay bar, adding layers of complexity to her journey of self-acceptance.
In a moment of courage, Amber comes out to her mother, who, upon meeting Sarah, realizes that her daughter desires to be with her girlfriend. Unfortunately, this newfound openness is cut short when a local priest betrays her trust during confession, inadvertently outing Amber to their tight-knit community.
Conflict arises for Eddie as he struggles to come to terms with the dissolution of their charade. His frustration leads him to insult Amber in public and attempt to pursue a conventional romance with schoolmate Tracey, all while preparing to join the army.
As Eddie prepares to leave for basic training, Amber confronts him, offering her hard-earned savings as a means to escape the façade of their lives. In a moment of hesitation, Eddie finally embraces his true identity and accepts the money for a train ticket to freedom. He opens the box holding the cash, only to uncover half of a photo booth strip featuring their faces — a symbol of their shared past. As the movie draws to a close, we see both Eddie and Amber smiling, having taken significant steps toward accepting who they truly are, united in their journeys of self-discovery and resilience.
Timeline
Track the key events of Dating Amber (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Circumstances
In 1995, the story is set in The Curragh, Ireland, where two teenagers, Eddie and Amber, face continuous homophobic harassment. Marginalized by their conservative community, they grapple with their identities and seek safety by pretending to be a straight couple.
Amber's Dream of Escape
Amber yearns to break free from her father's tragic suicide and dreams of a vibrant lesbian punk lifestyle in a more accepting place. To fund her escape to London, she secretly rents caravans to couples at a campsite managed by her mother.
Eddie's Internal Struggles
Eddie wrestles with his insecurities, feeling pressured to enlist in the Irish Army just like his often-unattentive father. As societal norms weigh heavily upon him, he struggles to accept who he really is.
Exploration of LGBTQ+ Culture
Eddie and Amber's lives change significantly during trips to Dublin, where they immerse themselves in the vibrant local LGBTQ+ scene. This exposure helps them start to explore their true identities away from their small-town struggles.
A Fateful Night at the Gay Bar
One night at a gay bar, Eddie, feeling increasingly comfortable, shares a kiss with another man. The intimate moment is witnessed by someone from their hometown, leading to a chaotic and violent reaction from Eddie.
Amber's New Romance
Amber's journey of self-acceptance deepens when she meets Sarah at the same gay bar where Eddie struggles. Their growing romantic connection adds another layer of complexity to her life as she seeks genuine love and acceptance.
Coming Out to Mom
In a moment of bravery, Amber comes out to her mother, who realizes Amber's feelings toward Sarah. However, this significant step towards openness is tragically short-lived due to an unexpected betrayal by a local priest.
The Betrayal
During confession, the local priest inadvertently exposes Amber's secret to their tight-knit community. This betrayal triggers significant conflict for Amber, as she faces the repercussions of being outed.
Eddie's Desperation Sets In
In the wake of the community's reaction, Eddie struggles to make sense of his life and the public disintegration of their charade. Frustrated and confused, he lashes out at Amber and attempts to chase a conventional relationship with his classmate, Tracey.
Eddie Prepares for Army Life
As Eddie gets ready to leave for army basic training, he feels the weight of expectations bearing down on him. This impending departure symbolizes not just a physical journey but the emotional unraveling of his façade.
A Confrontation Between Friends
Just before Eddie's departure, Amber confronts him, offering her savings to help him escape the pretense of their lives. This poignant moment highlights their friendship's depth and the choices they must make for themselves.
Accepting True Identities
After a moment of hesitation, Eddie embraces his true identity as he accepts Amber's money for a train ticket to freedom. In doing so, Eddie opens a box with a photo booth strip of their faces, reminding him of their shared past.
A New Beginning
In the closing moments of the movie, both Eddie and Amber find themselves smiling as they take significant steps toward self-acceptance. Their journeys of resilience and bravery leave a lasting impression, symbolizing hope for their futures.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Dating Amber (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Eddie
Eddie is a sensitive teenager grappling with his sexual identity and societal pressures. He feels compelled to conform by enlisting in the army but ultimately yearns for self-acceptance. His volatile reactions stem from internal conflict, revealing his struggle to balance personal desires with external expectations.
Amber
Amber is a strong-willed girl seeking liberation from her past and societal constraints. Driven by the desire to explore her identity as a lesbian, she takes significant risks, such as coming out to her mother and pursuing a relationship with Sarah. Her character embodies resilience and the desire for authenticity.
Sarah
Sarah is a captivating figure in Amber's journey, representing the acceptance and romance Amber longs for. Their connection marks a turning point for Amber, offering her a glimpse into a fulfilling and authentic relationship. Sarah's character embodies the support and encouragement needed for personal acceptance.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Dating Amber (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1995
The year 1995 was characterized by significant societal shifts and increased awareness surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in many parts of the world. In Ireland, this period marked a gradual move towards acceptance, although conservative views still dominated in many rural areas. The vast cultural divide between rural and urban Ireland was felt more intensely during this time.
Location
The Curragh, Dublin, Ireland
The Curragh is a vast open area in County Kildare, known for its extensive grasslands and horse racing. It's a rural community that embodies traditional Irish culture and closely holds onto conservative values. Meanwhile, Dublin represents a vibrant urban setting, home to a lively LGBTQ+ scene, providing a stark contrast to the sheltered life of The Curragh.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Dating Amber (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Identity
The theme of identity is central to the story, as both Eddie and Amber struggle to embrace their true selves in a community that shuns them. Their journey illustrates the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including fear of acceptance and the need for conformity. The film ultimately celebrates personal growth and the courage it takes to be authentic.
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Friendship
The bond between Eddie and Amber showcases the power of friendship amidst adversity. Their alliance serves as a refuge from societal pressures, providing emotional support as they navigate their complex lives. This theme highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of discrimination and isolation.
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Struggle
Struggle is a prevalent theme, depicted through Eddie and Amber's experiences with harassment and societal expectations. Their efforts to mask their true identities underscore the emotional turmoil of living in a conservative community. The film poignantly addresses the pain of feeling outcast and the longing for acceptance.
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