Ever wanted to get even with your high school bully? Local theatre hunks Matt Backer and Drew Weston are doing just that, well sort of. Images by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
The two actors have written a short film of vengeance, also paying homage to the slasher films of the Nineties. Described as Fleabag meets Final Destination with a dash of Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion, Die Bully Die tackles homophobia, gay shame, forgiveness and bearing a grudge!
Matt Backer and Drew Weston – Photo by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
“It’s loosely based on my own high school experience which was hell,” says Backer.
“I went to an all-boys Catholic school in the Nineties and had a rough time. I held onto it for way too long and it affected my growing up in becoming an adult and my relationships. I came out quite late at around thirty because of that damage, but I’m now happy working as an actor with a supportive and loving family.”
Matt Backer – Photo by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
“It’s not necessarily just homophobic or queerphobic but something relatable to people in letting go of the past” – Matt Backer
Feeling that the past is always present in our lives, Backer also saw a chance to create some interesting characters which he developed with Weston.
“Drew and I get along so well,” he says.
“We have the same sort of humour and we thought this was a great concept to write, play and produce. So, we drew from my experiences to create the story and it’s now evolved into a greater metaphor for trauma. It’s not necessarily just homophobic or queerphobic but something relatable to people in letting go of the past. It’s about tackling the future with greater hope.”
Set in a plush restaurant, the plot sees Max (Backer) meeting up with his high-school bully Adam (Weston) after a sixteen-year gap. But things don’t go well and Max’s grudge manifests into revenge of the classic teen-horror comedy genre.
Drew Weston – Photo by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
“My character bullied Max in high school and he’s turned out to be gay himself” – Drew Weston
Nineties teen dramas are familiar turf to Drew Weston, having recently played lead hunk Sebastian in Cruel Intentions: The Nineties Musical.
“I had a different high school experience to Matt,” says Weston.
“I had a little bit of bullying, but nothing to the extent that he had. In Die Bully Die! my character bullied Max in high school and he’s turned out to be gay himself. It’s a frustrating situation for Max, but Adam is there to apologise, which doesn’t really go to plan!”
For Weston, the experience has been a learning curve in producing and writing as well as acting. He also sees the production reaching beyond the LGBTIQ+ community.
“It’s a universal topic,” he says.
“Whether it’s bullying for being gay or overweight or a cultural background, everyone can relate in some way, whether as the victim, witness or actually the bully who now realises what they had done.”
“It’s seen through the lens of the Nineties slasher films we grew up with, which sells well. It’s more Black Mirror than a sentimental ‘woe is me’. But even though it’s full-on, it does have some heart-warming moments.”
Matt Backer and Drew Weston – Photo by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
The film also stars Ben Gerrard and Shannon Dooley, with Nick Annas and Ethan Lamb-Kelly playing younger versions of Max and Adam. Production is taking place around Sydney with aspirations to extend into a full-length film or series.
Backer and Weston also gained generous support from the community, with a crowdfunding account set up through the Australian Cultural Fund.
“The crowdfunding support has been beautiful,” says Backer.
“A lot of people have been through a similar journey, but we also have wonderful allies too. They want to see this type of story and the Australian Cultural Fund has been fantastic in providing our crowdfunding platform. We wanted to support an Australian organisation that supports local artists, and it also helps that donations through there are tax deductible!”
Find out more by visiting…
Instagram: @DIEBULLYDIE
FaceBook: @DIEBULLYDIE
YouTube: @DIEBULLYDIEok.com
