'Black Church Bay.' Rhys Marc Jones’ Queer Psychological Thriller Starring Joe Locke, Wraps Production

Black Church Bay, the highly anticipated feature debut from writer-director Rhys Marc Jones, has officially wrapped production in Wales, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary cinema. Starring Heartstopper breakout Joe Locke and acclaimed actor Tom Cullen, the film is poised to deliver a tense, atmospheric story rooted in the complexities of queer experience and rural secrecy .

Set against the rugged backdrop of Anglesey’s coastline, Black Church Bay centers on the relationship between Jasper, a 17-year-old student played by Joe Locke, and Barry, a man in his 40s portrayed by Tom Cullen. Their secret weekend getaway spirals into tragedy when Jasper drowns, forcing Barry to confront the consequences of their relationship and the threat of exposure in a close-knit community where secrets rarely remain hidden .

Rhys Marc Jones, who both wrote and directed the film, brings a uniquely authentic voice to the project. Having grown up in Wales, Jones has often explored themes of identity, repression, and the tension between personal truth and societal expectation in his work. Black Church Bay extends this trajectory by delving into the psychological toll of secrecy and the danger that can arise when love is forced into the shadows .

The casting of Joe Locke—who has quickly become one of the most visible young queer actors after his starring role in Netflix’s Heartstopper—further grounds the film in the lived realities of LGBTQ+ youth. Locke’s portrayal of Jasper promises emotional depth and vulnerability, reflecting the challenges faced by queer teenagers navigating relationships in environments that may not be welcoming or safe .

At its core, Black Church Bay is a psychological thriller, but its resonance for LGBTQ+ audiences lies in its exploration of the high stakes faced by those whose relationships are deemed taboo or dangerous. The disappearance—and subsequent death—of Jasper not only shatters Barry’s life but also disrupts the equilibrium of the coastal village, exposing fractures in the community and unearthing long-buried secrets .

The narrative’s tension is amplified by the setting: the small, isolated Welsh village becomes a pressure cooker of suspicion, grief, and moral reckoning. For viewers familiar with the consequences of forced secrecy, the film’s premise is particularly poignant, highlighting how societal pressures can lead to tragic outcomes for queer people—especially in environments where acceptance is not guaranteed .

Black Church Bay arrives at a time when calls for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in film remain urgent. The production, led by a Welsh creative team and shot on location, contributes to a growing wave of queer cinema that foregrounds stories outside of major urban centers. By focusing on the intersection of age, secrecy, and power, the film offers a nuanced portrayal that resists simple narratives or moral judgments .

Industry analysts have already noted the film’s potential for critical acclaim and cultural impact, particularly given the pedigree of its cast and crew. Tom Cullen, known for his roles in Weekend and Downton Abbey, brings gravitas to the role of Barry, while supporting performances from Julian Lewis Jones and Rakie Ayola promise to deepen the film’s exploration of community dynamics and intergenerational conflict .

While Black Church Bay is not a comfort film, its willingness to grapple with difficult truths is both its risk and its strength. For LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly those from rural backgrounds or regions where acceptance is hard-won, the film’s narrative offers rare visibility and a platform for discussion around secrecy, shame, and the urgent need for safe spaces. The film’s commitment to authenticity extends to its creative team, including director Rhys Marc Jones and a largely Welsh production crew, ensuring that the story remains grounded in local realities while speaking to global themes .

With production wrapped as of September 2025, Black Church Bay is expected to enter the festival circuit in the coming months, with industry insiders predicting strong interest from both LGBTQ+ and mainstream festivals. The film’s distinctive blend of psychological suspense and social critique positions it as a standout in the upcoming slate of queer cinema .

As anticipation builds, Black Church Bay stands as a testament to the power of queer storytelling that refuses to flinch from complexity, inviting audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and to celebrate the resilience of those who love in the shadows.