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Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson on A Night Like This and their silent disco kiss

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The Rainbow Crew is an ongoing interview series that highlights outstanding LGBTQ+ portrayals on-screen. Every episode features individuals working behind and in front of the camera, such as queer artists and allies to the community.
In our next conversation, we’ll chat with Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson from A Night Like This.

In the novel “A Night Like This“, an unexpected encounter between two individuals results in an unforeseen bond that lasts from dusk till dawn.

The romantic journey portrayed in the films “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset” serves as a clear inspiration, yet Liam Calvert’s directorial debut, “London Winter Night,” carves its unique narrative, mirroring how Oliver (Alexander Lincoln) and Lukas (Jack Brett Anderson) navigate their relationship over the course of a single wintry London night.

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As the duo grow more comfortable, even amidst the intense cold, the story of A Night Like This veers unexpectedly with these two seemingly disparate, star-crossed individuals. It’s a “one-night stand without the physical intimacy” as they themselves describe it, yet the palpable chemistry between them is indisputable.

Prior to the debut of “A Night Like This” tonight at BFI Flare, Digital Spy had a chat with actors Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson. They talked about the special bond between their characters, hurdles they encountered during filming, and that magical silent disco kiss filled with a sense of tranquility.

Despite the fact that the narrative revolves around a protagonist from the LGBTQ+ community, Oliver initially resists labeling himself. In fact, he refuses to acknowledge being queer at all. How did you perceive this behavior as it affected his relationship with Lukas?

Alexander Lincoln: I don’t like categorizing people, but Oliver can be seen as bisexual. During our discussion before filming, we considered him to be… Well, he comes from a wealthy background, so it’s likely he’s been involved in some exclusive school activities. There might have been sports like rugby too. He’s dabbled in it, I believe, but not deeply engaged in romantic relationships related to that exploration.

Me and Diego haven’t quite figured out if he’s encountered this situation previously, but I find it appealing to imagine Oliver hasn’t, and subsequently comes across the fascinating character portrayed by Jack as Lukas. From there, a sense of intrigue seems to ignite.

I don’t think Oliver is constantly dwelling on that matter, as far as my observation goes, neither of them seem to be seeking a romantic connection in this situation. Instead, they appear to be two individuals who are deeply troubled and lost, finding comfort in their own company rather than the relationship itself. Over time, their dynamic evolves and generates something unique from it.

Jack Brett Anderson: Although Lukas’s character is gay and interested in men, he isn’t certain about Oliver’s feelings. While this aspect of his character is significant, it doesn’t fully encompass the entire storyline. The narrative focuses more on the conversation between two individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation. It’s essentially a tale about dialogue.

“It shows what can occur amongst men when you don’t necessarily make it always about sex.”

In a unique interaction between two individuals, one identifies as gay while the other may also be gay, yet they engage in an open and seemingly fearless discourse on the topic. However, despite their boldness, there is an underlying sense of apprehension. This dialogue transcends beyond the physical aspects of a relationship, encompassing emotions and connections that could be rooted in mutual respect, understanding, or attraction.

Engaging with someone for an extended period offers a deeper insight than just a brief encounter focused on physical intimacy or other matters. Interestingly, one of these characters identifies as gay, demonstrating the variety of experiences and connections that can develop between men beyond solely sexual encounters. Our characters have the freedom to express themselves in any way they choose, yet their interactions are crucial to the story.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be reminded of an intriguing quote from the movie that encapsulates their bond: “It’s like a one-night stand without the sex.” This unusual dynamic adds a fascinating layer to their on-screen relationship.

In the enchanting silent disco scene where Oliver and Lukas share a kiss, there’s an undeniable physicality that sets it apart from the typical club encounters we often witness in films like this. Could you please share your experience while filming this scene and discuss its significance in shaping the overall narrative of the movie?

Lincoln: I recall we had two options for the dance sequence: a lively one and a more relaxed one… Collaborating with Jack was simply fantastic. We clicked right away, as I hope you’ll notice in the movie. That club scene – except for when it unexpectedly started flooding midway through the day, which added a funny touch to it.

Anderson described the filming location as an old, seemingly abandoned warehouse that had a sense of life breathed back into it.

Lincoln: Slowly, the water began to rise higher and higher until it became impassable in certain areas… We were situated at a spot where there was no water initially. However, once we completed the scene, we had to leap over obstacles to escape the rising floodwaters.

Anderson admitted, “To be honest, I had momentarily forgotten about that. My focus was primarily on capturing the perfect moment, while he was concerned with the water situation. [Laughs]

Lincoln: The moment was always gonna be right, Jack. Always.

Reflecting on that particular scene, it seemed pivotal to the development of the characters. Additionally, it was intriguing to delve into the nuances of the silent disco dynamic, striving to capture a moment that would resonate, a moment we had labored over, one that mattered deeply to the characters themselves.

There was an undeniably ethereal atmosphere, didn’t there? We took our time, didn’t we, which made it all the more beautiful and uncomplicated. It was almost as if their kiss could be interpreted in multiple ways – was it a romantic gesture or merely a practical one? That’s the sense I got from it. The ambiguity between them remains intriguing.

“It was almost like, is it a romantic kiss or just a necessary kiss?”

Lincoln: That kiss seems almost destined, as if it were preordained when they first crossed paths, even though neither of them were aware of it at the time. Your perspective on it being essential is intriguing; if you consider the trajectory of their relationship throughout the film – how they grow closer and then drift apart as their bond evolves – it takes on a deeper significance.

Absolutely, as you point out, it seems like an ideal fit given the club setting in many LGBTQ+ movies. However, we did stumble with our takes on several occasions, didn’t we, Jack?

You’re right, this scene reminds me of the club sequences in numerous queer films. It certainly seems like a fitting moment. Yet, I can’t help but recall all the times we botched our takes, Jack.

Anderson: Oh, absolutely! I persisted with that particular scene. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I might have messed up, but I just kept getting feedback that there was an issue [Laughs heartily]

Hey there, could we do it one more time? My mouth is a bit parched, and I think taking another round might leave us both wanting for a drink afterwards. Just laughs to lighten the mood!

Besides the flood issues, was there something else that stood out as especially difficult when it came to working on this movie project?

Anderson: The cold nights.

Lincoln: Oh my god, yeah.

During filming, Anderson jokingly mentioned a preference for avoiding movies with “night” in the title because: working at night can be chilly, disrupt sleep patterns, and make one feel disconnected from daily life. You might work when others are awake, and asleep during their working hours. Although you may forget about being cold while filming, it’s the breaks in between that can be challenging.

Lincoln: You make that comment, yet if it were Oliver wearing the outfit, it would have been a white t-shirt and a leather jacket, an excellent combination. At the closing stages of the movie, I ended up giving my leather jacket away.

We filmed that particular scene, using only a white t-shirt of mine. The scene itself was somewhat secluded. Later, when we crossed the bridge, it became quite emotional. It was chilly there, so I felt a shiver run down my spine. Despite this, our team provided us with coats and jackets to keep warm, but it was definitely a tough challenge to endure.

In almost every experience I’ve had, there’s always been an extremely challenging moment when it’s freezing cold – you might say it’s lethal. [] It seems to be a recurring theme for me.

In your story, it seems there’s often a sense of uncertainty regarding Oliver and Lukas’ relationship and their future. With the narrative concluding on an open note, I’m curious about what you envision or wish might transpire next for these two characters once the screen fades to black?

Anderson: Based on my knowledge of Lukas, I truly hope he locates a reliable friend or partner, as he is prone to fully commit to the ideal of someone. Unfortunately, this often doesn’t work out well for him, especially when it involves bisexual individuals or those who are closeted. I believe his past experiences have made him lower his expectations due to disappointments.

Oliver showed up once more in the end. It’s as if you could say, “Unbelievable, someone has returned for me.” The mere fact that he’s present now… I can sense that it’s something extraordinary, it demonstrates that such things do exist, so don’t lose hope.

“Always staying in the scene when you’re absolutely freezing, it’s always a killer.”

Lincoln: I see quite a resemblance in the emotions experienced by Oliver and Lukas towards the end. They’re both rather disoriented, but in the end, they seem to discover something. Although it’s delightful to imagine them joining hands and strolling off towards the sunset for a blissful life together, I have always admired authenticity.

I appreciate the beauty in queer relationships that often stem from deep connections rather than physical intimacy. It’s about two individuals truly discovering each other, whether or not it leads to a romantic relationship. To me, there’s a unique purity in these friendships that goes beyond typical sexual desires and passions.

In my opinion, despite their stark differences, I can see some commonalities between them. They are like night and day, but there’s a certain adaptability, particularly in Oliver, who I believe yearns for a connection that he has never experienced before.

Anderson: It’s closeness, isn’t it? That sense of closeness, that silent camaraderie.

Lincoln: I believe that both Oliver and Lukas have been missing this crucial aspect in their lives. Oliver is distant from his family, and despite living a life of privilege, it has been a solitary existence for him. In the same vein, Lukas shares a similar predicament.

In me, it was the poignant portrayal of solitude and the search for companionship that captivated both the characters and the movie. This was particularly true in London, a city that can seem desolate and isolating, despite its vibrancy and diversity. For those who find it hard to make connections and build relationships, the city can be challenging, regardless of one’s origin.

What do you hope people take away from watching A Night Like This?

Lincoln speaks about the concept of understanding your own solitude, opening yourself up to encountering someone new, and forging a bond with them.

In many instances, particularly in the UK and specifically within London, you’ll notice this trend: when you ride the subway or simply walk around, people tend to avoid eye contact and smiles are seldom exchanged. This lack of human interaction seems to be on the rise, creating a sense of isolation that we all can feel. Since our narrative unfolds in London, I use it as an example, but this individualistic vibe is not uncommon elsewhere.

In this movie, what captivates me are the two characters who seem deeply flawed and perhaps have always kept others at bay. However, due to unfortunate circumstances that left them both vulnerable, they found common ground and decided to take a chance on each other, embarking on an endeavor together. Since they were strangers, there was no perceived risk involved in their newfound partnership.

“What drew me into the characters and the film is the beauty of loneliness and finding someone.”

Anderson: In the world, there’s an unspoken rule about avoiding strangers for safety reasons. However, this feels like a time to break that mold and seize opportunities in life. It’s essential to maintain caution, but also to be approachable.

If they hadn’t been open that evening, the events of that night wouldn’t have transpired. Many paths in life would never have come into existence had it not been for those openings. It’s all about seizing the opportunity.

Additionally, the entire movie stirs up a sense of nostalgia, causing you to reflect on personal moments in your past. The manner Diego crafted the story is deeply thought-provoking. I hope viewers will be inspired to reminisce about their memories and find value in them. By realizing that those moments, particularly that night, can never be repeated, yet they have occurred, one should appreciate them and derive meaning from them.

Tonight marks the first showing of “A Night Like This” at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, an event that continues until March 30th at BFI Southbank.

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2025-03-28 10:21

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