DIVA caught up with the director about her latest project which is all about celebrating divorce
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY TARA THORNE
Lakeview (2024) is a queer comedy which watches a group of friends reunite at a lakeside retreat for a pretty sapphic celebration of divorce. Between heartfelt moments, hilarious chaos, and personal revelations, they navigate friendships, love, and life’s quirks — all with plenty of drinks, drama, and lakeside shenanigans.
DIVA spoke to director Tara Thorne ahead of its screening at BFI Flare.
Was there a specific moment or reference point which inspired your film?
My first film, Compulsus, is a vigilante movie and not very fun. But the cast were all friends in real life so they always had bits going between takes, then I would call “Action” and it would be very serious again. Lakeview came out of wanting to have fun with as many of those folks as possible, so I just started writing an ensemble piece with them in mind. Plus I wanted to keep working with them all! Lesley (Darcy), Kat (Julien), Hilary (Dax), and Katie (Bryce the bartender) were all in Compulsus.
If you had to describe your film in three words, what would they be?
Lesbian Big Chill.
What was the most unexpected lesson you learned while making this film?
Big group chats are fun to read or watch but are a pain to shoot, and it wears the actors out.
How does it feel to have your film showcased at BFI Flare?
I’m so stoked, it was a goal festival with Compulsus and we missed it so I’m very excited for Lakeview to be in the mix. The lineup is so amazing every year and it’s such a huge audience, it’s a real honour.
BFI Flare is a celebration of LGBTQIA storytelling. What do you hope LGBTQIA audiences at BFI Flare take away after watching your film?
I hope they see themselves reflected in a relationship or a character. And to reflect on any queer nonsense they’ve inflicted! (I include myself in that.)
Why do you think LGBTQIA filmmaking is so important in 2025?
We’re seeing Americans lose rights daily, and they came for queer folks first. Here in Canada we have a looming right-wing government that could be voted in this spring that’s just parroting a lot of US rhetoric and having a similar effect. It’s incredibly scary. So the more queer voices that can be seen and heard in as many places as possible in this moment feels really vital.
This year’s Flare is split into the themes of Hearts, Bodies, and Minds. Do you have an LGBTQIA film which affected your heart, body, or mind?
Boys On The Side, which was Herbert Ross’ last film in 1995. I was 15 when I saw it. Whoopi Goldberg plays a lesbian who continuously falls for straight girls (Drew Barrymore then Mary-Louise Parker, in this instance), which became relatable when I got older! First place I heard the Indigo Girls also, so I guess that covers Heart and Mind.
What was the best piece of advice you received while working on this film, and what advice would you give to emerging queer filmmakers?
Best advice: I’m sure I got lots but it’s all a fugue state now.
My advice: Always be prepared to pivot.
What’s the one question you wish more people would ask about your film?
About the performances! Casting is my favourite thing and I’m so proud of what everyone did – it really feels like an ensemble, and even though I don’t consider it a comedy I love hearing people laugh when they watch it.
LAKEVIEW screens as part of the 39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on Monday 24 March and Saturday 29 March. For more details / tickets here
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