Watch Achilles and Patroclus here:
Film trigger warnings: Suggestions of suicide.
The Story
Inspired by Madeline Miller’s 2011 novel ‘Song of Achilles’ , Achilles and Patroclus is a modern retelling of the relationship between Greek soldier Achilles and his “brother in arms” Patroclus. In this timeless narrative, Patroclus is struck with an unknown illness and must take an extended stay in hospital. Due to queer relationships in history needing to be kept behind closed doors, Patroclus leaves Achilles at their home with the promise he will return and see him soon. Time goes on and Achilles hears nothing on Patroclus’ health, and begins to struggle in his absence. Eventually, Achilles receives the news from Patroclus himself that he has succumb to his poor health and has passed away. Devastated that they did not even get to say goodbye, Achilles makes the decision to join his beloved, and ends his own life. The pair are then reunited in the afterlife.
The Characters
Achilles, based on Homer’s Greek soldier from ‘The Iliad’, is a very loving and devoted partner who puts his all into caring for Patroclus when he falls ill. When events turn worse than he ever could’ve imagined, he makes the ultimate sacrifice to be at one with the person he loves most.
Patroclus, selfless in nature, puts Achilles’ best interests first and pulls away from him when he discovers his fate. As stated in his letter, he wants his final memory of him to be something worth remembering, and is confident that the two of them will find each other in another life.
The Making Of
Achilles and Patroclus was created during our first year at Manchester Metropolitan University for our end of year module ‘Modern Mythologies’. Olidora brought together a group of close friends in order to send the year out on a high note with our main aim simply being to have as much fun creating this film as possible – which we were lucky enough to achieve. With many of the cast being interested in creating a queer narrative, Erin offered the idea to recreate this story in particular having read the inspiring novel previously. Achilles and Patroclus took three days in total to film, turning Wren’s apartment into the characters home – something you’ll see us continue to do in later films! This allowed the cast and crew the comfort of a closed and familiar space, and one in which we were able to experiment and develop our art in without pressure or judgement on our first production. This was the first time many of our cast and crew were working together, and from this production lifelong friendships and creative partnerships were born. This film allowed us to work with new/non-actors, allowing our more personal connections with Josh and Harry to be the drive for authentic and emotionally led performances. We would not be able to talk about this film without mentioning our music composer, Carla Polistina, who created a beautiful score for this film, elevating its atmosphere completely, and allowing us to appreciate this film in its final form as a serious glimpse into what we plan to create in the future.
Directors Note
We hold Achilles and Patroclus very close to our hearts, as our first film as a duo, inviting our close creative friends to start the journey with us, this film symbolises the start of a very beautiful partnership between Erin and I. I will always look back on the process of making this film fondly, as it taught myself and Erin that our morels, working styles, and passions align perfectly, and telling stories with characters whose voices are less often heard was a direction we wanted to continue in. Achilles consisted of the smallest cast and crew we have ever used, making the process very intimate, teaching me that my first priority will always be with the comfort of the people I am working with. – Wren.
Full Credits
Achilles played by Joshua Faires
Patroclus played by Harry Woods
Directed by Wren Fry
Written and Produced by Erin Clark
Script Edited by Joshua Faires
Cinematography by Mia Hughes
Sound Recording by Jade Shafto
Edited by Wren Fry
Music Composed by Carla Polistina
Olidora Productions 