Drown (2015): a film by Dean Francis

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Drown is essentially the tale of Len, an experienced surfer and a member of surf lifesaving club who struggles with personal demons. When a new and openly gay member of the lifeguard team, Phil, starts working with the team, Len’s homophobic tendencies and the norms of toxic masculinity are highlighted. Jealous and confused, Len’s character acts violently and engages in a series of confrontations that lead to a night of physical and emotional assault. The film addresses issues of secret desire, cultural norms and the effects of repression.

Drown (2015)

The plot of Drown unfolds on the beautiful beaches of Sydney where Len struggles with his position of being a leader in the surf lifesaving team and his personal struggles. Everything changes with the arrival of Phil, who brings out emotions that Len cannot quite understand. The team is overjoyed after Phil wins a surf competition and this is where the night begins to unfold and Len’s mask comes crashing down, revealing the broken person behind the tough exterior. Thus, Drown shows a devastating picture about the topic of identity and suppression.

Director: Dean Francis

Writer: Dean Francis, Stephen Davis

Country: Australia

Genre: Drama, Sport, Thriller

Language: English

Duration: 93 min

Stars: Corey Willis, Daniel Needs, Harry Cook, Jack Matthews, Jasmine Weissenborn, JayR Tinaco, Jeremy Burtenshaw, Jessina Oakes, Kate Ryerson, Kimberly Lim, Lucy Green, Matt James, Matt Levett, Maya Stange, Meg McDermott, Nadene Weissenborn, Namir Salim, Robin Gonnella

Drown (2015) is one of those films that is difficult to watch but leaves a deep impact. This Australian drama, adapted from Stephen Davis’ play of the same name, brutally explores homophobia, toxic masculinity, and internalized shame. Director Dean Francis boldly tackles these heavy themes, sparing neither the characters nor the audience.

At the heart of the story is Len Smithy, a champion surf lifesaver and the epitome of hypermasculinity within his tight-knit club community. His status is threatened when Phil arrives—he’s younger, more capable, and, to Len’s shock, openly gay. Len’s reaction to this realization becomes a dangerous mix of aggression, confusion, and suppressed emotions.

Len’s internal struggle between his attraction to Phil and his own homophobic beliefs leads to a terrifying spiral of violence. Matt Levett’s performance as Len is exceptionally strong—he manages to portray a character who is both intimidating and vulnerable at the same time.

Drown (2015) uses the beach and the ocean as symbols of Len’s internal conflict. The breathtaking yet unforgiving nature of Australia’s coastline mirrors the emotional storm within

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However, the director’s style is not always perfect. The nonlinear storytelling and inserted flashbacks can sometimes confuse the viewer, and some scenes feel overly stylized, diminishing the impact of the raw drama. Additionally, some dialogues are overly explicit, reducing the subtlety with which such a story could be told.

One of the most shocking aspects of Drown (2015) is how it portrays the effects of toxic masculinity. Len is not just a homophobe—he is trapped in a social framework that prevents him from accepting his own emotions. His anger, need for dominance, and violence are directed not just at others but also at himself.

The film’s final scenes are almost unbearable to watch. Bullying, humiliation, and psychological manipulation are depicted in a brutal and raw manner, making Drown (2015) a film that is certainly not for everyone.

If you’re looking for a film that will shake you and make you think, Drown (2015) is the right choice. This story is not easy, not beautiful, but it is important. The film successfully portrays the destructive consequences of homophobia and rigid masculine norms while also delivering a powerful character study. Despite its flaws in storytelling and direction, the strength of its narrative and outstanding performances make it a film worth watching.

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Posted to: Short Films

2025-03-20

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