FOREWORD

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Masculinity is in a really interesting place at the moment, because there’s obviously this whole sort of other brand of toxic masculinity which the media is obsessed with, which no one in their right mind’s really interested in. You’ve got to really be on the kind of outer fringes to sort of be interested in that type of toxic masculinity. But I think it’s interesting, particularly with Oasis reforming, we’re seeing a sort of return of lad. To me it feels like non-toxic masculinity is almost having a bit of a resurgence. When all the lads’ mags crumbled, it felt a bit like it was completely outlawed to be a lad.

But I think we’re seeing a return of the idea of a masculinity which is more conversational and more and more honest about what it is – rather than this sort of hyper fucking masculinity which is all about bravado and chest pumping. It’s like there’s a brand of masculinity way beyond that, which is about you, the reader. You can still have a good time and enjoy yourself and love your labels and go to football and be a boy. Just without all the negative bollocks that go with it.
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Nick Love
Writer & Director