The first trailer for the film Departures has been released, showcasing a storyline filled with tumultuous relationships, sexual escapades, and a complex narrative surrounding love and identity. The film centres around two men, Benji and Jake, played by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and David Tag respectively, who embark on a passionate romance that is sparked by a serendipitous encounter at an airport check-out gate.
In the film’s synopsis, viewers learn of Benji’s immediate fascination with Jake, an intriguing character described as “fit, elusive, and dominant,” who Benji suspects is “a bit gay.” Their relationship entails monthly trips to Amsterdam, intense sexual encounters, and the gradual emergence of a complex power dynamic that hints at an impending doom for their romance.
Departures has been praised for being created by a collective of working-class LGBT+ filmmakers from Manchester, who self-funded the project, which features a diverse cast including Liam Boyle, Saira Choudry, and Kerry Howard.
Co-directed by Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, who also shares screenplay credits, Departures is set to have its world premiere at the 2025 BFI Flare Film Festival, with the first screening scheduled for 23 March, followed by another on 29 March. David Tag, best known for his role as Sylvester ‘Sylver’ McQueen in the British soap Hollyoaks, expressed his enthusiasm for the project in an interview with Digital Spy. Reflecting on his connection to the filmmakers, he remarked, “I first did a short film with Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and [co-director] Neil Ely back in 2019… We’ve remained friends since.”
Tag highlighted the distinctive nature of his character Jake, who is bisexual and grappling with his sexuality, stating, “I thought it’s be a really good challenge.” This element of the narrative seeks to explore the complexities of sexual identity and relationships, providing an authentic representation for audiences.
Eyre-Morgan gained recognition in the film industry following the release of his acclaimed short film Closets, which won the Best of British Iris Prize. He has also directed episodes of popular series like EastEnders, Waterloo Road, and Hollyoaks.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35820335/ – This URL provides information about the film ‘Departures’ (2025), including its release date and cast, which supports the article’s details about the movie’s storyline and actors.
- https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/trailers/a63541805/departures-first-trailer-lorraine-stanley/ – This article discusses the first trailer of ‘Departures,’ highlighting its themes of toxic relationships and personal growth, aligning with the article’s description of the film’s complex narrative.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO2qxgKDDbs – This YouTube video features the trailer for ‘Departures’ at the BFI Flare 2025, corroborating the film’s involvement in the festival and its focus on LGBTQ+ themes.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the source of the original article, providing the foundational information about ‘Departures’ and its creators.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions upcoming events, such as the 2025 BFI Flare Film Festival, indicating recent and relevant information. No clear signs of outdated content were found.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from David Tag is attributed to an interview with Digital Spy, but the original source and date could not be verified online. This suggests it might be an original quote or from a recent interview.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Gay Times, a known publication within the LGBTQ+ community, which generally provides reliable information. However, it is not a mainstream news outlet like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the film’s production, cast, and premiere are plausible and consistent with typical film announcements. The involvement of known actors and directors adds credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh, with recent events and plausible claims about the film ‘Departures’. While the source is reliable within its niche, it is not a major news outlet. The quotes seem original but lack direct verification.
