“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!” Romeo and Juliet is arguably Shakespeare’s most famous play and for good reason. Love, in its infinite glory and tragedy is what makes us all tick. R&J also lends itself to many variations, which is exactly what filmmakers hazart do so well in the short film Still A Rose.
The short stars Troian Bellisario (admit it: she’s your favorite Pretty Little Liar) as Juliet. In a wonderfully compelling twist, the film also stars Will Branske as Juliet, with Brandon Crowder and Tinuke Oyefule as the tragically romantic Romeos. The balcony scene is played out in interweaving scenes, with both same-sex and straight pairings. The result is a breathtaking ride thorough one of literature’s most well known scenes, which somehow feels new again.
Check out AfterEllen’s exclusive premiere of the film’s gorgeous trailer.
Still a Rose premieres at Frameline as part of the “Bi Candy” shorts program on Wednesday, June 24th. For more screenings and info about the film, follow Still a Rose on Facebook. Check out hazart’s Instagram’s page too.
