All of Us Strangers’ Claire Foy shares vital message for parents of LGBTQ+ kids
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Claire Foy, the acclaimed actress known for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown,” has shared a powerful message for parents of LGBTQ+ children. In an interview with PinkNews, Foy discussed her latest film, “All of Us Strangers,” and the importance of acceptance and understanding.
“All of Us Strangers” is a new LGBTQ+ drama directed by Andrew Haigh, loosely based on Taichi Yamada’s novel “Strangers.” The film stars Andrew Scott as Adam, a queer writer who returns to his childhood home and reunites with the ghostly apparitions of his parents, played by Foy and Jamie Bell.
Foy’s character, the mother, initially struggles to come to terms with her son’s sexuality. Worried about the height of the AIDS crisis at the time of her death, she expresses concern about his safety and fears he may be attacked for being open about his sexuality. Foy’s portrayal of the character is filled with warmth and tenderness, showcasing the complexity of a parent’s journey towards acceptance.
As a parent herself, Foy understands the difficulties that can arise when faced with a child who challenges societal norms. She believes that parents sometimes struggle to see their children as separate individuals and view their choices as a reflection of themselves. Foy emphasizes that parents must realize that they do not own their children and that each child will grow up to be who they are meant to be.
Foy explains that her character’s prejudices stem from a place of fear and a desire to protect her child. Parents often find it challenging to let go and allow their children to navigate the world on their own. Foy acknowledges that the world can be a cruel and dangerous place, but it is essential for parents to trust their children and support them unconditionally.
In her message to parents who may not accept their LGBTQ+ children, Foy urges them to look inward and confront their own fears and biases. She hopes that “All of Us Strangers” will highlight the finite nature of our time on Earth and encourage people to stop judging others. Foy believes that life is too short to waste on confusion and misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of open communication and understanding.
While Foy approached her role as a mother with discriminatory views with caution, she also recognized the need for authenticity. She wanted to portray the character honestly and not soften the reality of the conversation between a mother and her gay son. Foy acknowledges that her character is stuck in a particular period of time, influenced by the intense homophobia and disinformation prevalent during Thatcher’s era as prime minister.
Foy had crucial conversations with director Andrew Haigh and co-star Andrew Scott to ensure that the relationship between the characters was depicted realistically. She wanted to support Adam’s character in navigating his relationship with his parents, even through difficult moments. Foy believes that if given the opportunity to grow up with her son, her character would have become an amazing mother who loves him unconditionally.
“All of Us Strangers” opens in UK cinemas on Friday, January 26th. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding, especially for parents of LGBTQ+ children. Foy’s portrayal of a mother struggling to come to terms with her son’s sexuality sends a vital message to parents everywhere – love and support should always triumph over fear and prejudice.
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