DAMAGED
Drama / Australia / 30 min over 6 episodes / 2024
Writer/Director: Andrew Blogg
Producer/s: Andrew Blogg & Domenico Centofanti
DOP: Josh Stafield
Production Design: Amelia Basile
Editor: Delaney Murphy
Music by GB3
Released: OutTV 1/7/2024
Tagline:
Love, trauma, and identity collide in DAMAGED, where every connection leaves a mark.
Logline:
Discover the intertwining lives of Stuart, Anthony, and Daryl in DAMAGED, a compelling 6-part web series that delves into love, trauma, and identity within the LGBTIAQ+ community.
Synopsis:
DAMAGED, a gripping 6-part series delving into the lives of Stuart, a shy gay man seeking love; Anthony, a prominent figure in the LGBTIAQ+ community; and Daryl, a closeted man struggling with internalised homophobia. Set in post-marriage equality Australia, the series explores themes of homophobia, anxiety, and fear.
In Part 1, Stuart's concern for an unwell stranger, Daryl, turns to fear when Daryl scorns him for his concern. In Part 2, Daryl misinterprets Stuart's kindness, leading to a tense encounter.
As the series progresses, Anthony reconnects with Stuart, learning of his struggles. Anthony confronts Daryl about his actions, realising Daryl's own internalised homophobia.
In the climax, Daryl confronts his past and is reunited with his sister. Anthony facilitates a meeting between Stuart and Daryl, leading to a pivotal moment for both characters.
Keywords/Tags:
Damaged, Newly Out, Gay Man, Trailblazer, LGBTIAQ+ Community, Sexually Confused, Closeted, Internalised Homophobia, Dilemma, Fear, Gaydar, Wrath, Threat, Hero, Homophobic Trauma, PRIDE, Broken, Family, Angst, Assault, Shame, Liberty.
Part 1: DILEMMA: Whilst at the gym, Stuart, reaches out to a stranger (Daryl) who is unwell from his workout, his concerns are brushed aside. Seeing him later, seemingly lifeless in his car, Stuart’s thought’s shift from worry to fear when the stranger awakes and appears to have been waiting for him.
Part 2: WRATH: Daryl lurks in a darkened car park waiting for the gay man (Stuart) who reached out to help him. He takes this kind gesture as a threat, is his “gaydar” working? Will he be outed?
Part 3: HERO: A stranger at the Gym (Daryl) asks Anthony for Stuart’s contact details. Anthony reconnects with Stuart, his friend and work colleague, after Stuart had been off work for 2 weeks. Stuart confides in him that he’s struggling with homophobic trauma.
Part 4: PRIDE: Anthony confronts Daryl about the trauma he has caused Stuart. He discovers Daryl is struggling with internalized homophobia. Anthony feels helpless, “we’re all so broken” he says referring to his community, he turns to his family for solace.
Part 5: ANGST: Whilst waiting to visit his terminally ill father, Daryl relives his assault on Stuart. He is frustrated and ashamed by his actions. He confronts the source of his internalised homophobia.
Part 6: LIBERTY: Anthony arranges for Stuart to meet Daryl at a safe space under his watchful eye. Feeling under pressure, Stuart approaches Daryl in his own way.