Exploring Queerness and Freedom in 'Satisfaction' with Director Alex Burunova

Exploring Queerness and Freedom in 'Satisfaction' with Director Alex Burunova

In the captivating narrative of Satisfaction, writer-director Alex Burunova brings to life a world where every character embodies queerness. Burunova's cinematic debut is not just a story but a reflection of her own identity set against the stunning backdrop of a remote Greek island.

"Every character is me, and because I’m queer, every character is queer," Burunova explains, prior to her film’s anticipated screening at the 2026 BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. "In the world we’ve created, queerness isn’t questioned; it serves as the baseline for human exploration."

Burunova's upbringing in the "really conservative" USSR, contrasted with her liberal family environment, profoundly influenced her perspective. When she came out at 12, her family’s acceptance was immediate and unwavering. "I’m fortunate to say I didn’t have major trauma connected to my queerness," she reflects. This personal history infuses Satisfaction with a poignant, refreshing narrative that took eight years to bring to fruition.

Part of a growing cinematic tradition where queerness is normalized rather than othered, Satisfaction is a testament to the evolving nature of storytelling in LGBTQ+ films. "It’s healing for queer youth to see queerness just being," Burunova notes. "Cinema has evolved from focusing on coming out and trauma to portraying queerness as an inherent part of life."

A central theme in Satisfaction is the exploration of a tumultuous relationship between British composers Lola, played by Emma Laird, and Philip, portrayed by Fionn Whitehead. The film deftly alternates between the early spark of their romance at a London film school and their present-day challenges on a secluded Greek island. While past scenes glow with golden light and youthful ambition, present-day sequences are marked by cooler tones, mirroring Lola’s internal struggles and identity crisis.

The island setting is integral to the film’s narrative. Quoting Agnès Varda, "If we opened people up, we’d find landscapes," Burunova emphasizes how the environment reflects the characters' emotional states. "The empty sky and stark volcanic formations create a feeling of solitude and liberation," Burunova describes. "The island represents both a cage and a place of freedom."

As the story unfolds, a widening rift between Lola and Philip becomes evident, exacerbated when Lola encounters the free-spirited Elena, played by Zar Amir Ebrahimi, on a nudist beach. This encounter ignites a transformation within Lola, propelling her to confront the fractures in her life and relationship. As past and present collide with intensity, Lola navigates memories to reclaim parts of herself lost over time.

Creative agency forms another crucial element in the narrative. In flashbacks, Lola finds solace in composing, a creative outlet that allows her to express buried emotions. However, Philip’s undermining of her contributions highlights a troubling dynamic. Burunova points out, "I've shown the film to many female filmmakers and artists, and all confirm experiences of having their voices overshadowed. It’s surprising that more stories aren’t told about this."

Burunova, an artist herself, connects deeply with her characters’ artistic pursuits. Through filmmaking, theatre, and painting, she conveys precise moods and frames via her painted storyboards. A pivotal moment in the film captures how trauma can alter a person. "I focus on Lola’s face during a crucial scene; Emma Laird’s performance conveys a spectrum of emotion. The film is less about trauma itself and more about its impact on us as individuals and artists," she explains.

The narrative of Satisfaction maintains an open-hearted portrayal of queerness, embracing the freedom it represents. "I don’t believe in monosexuality," Burunova asserts. "Sexuality is a spectrum, constantly shifting. Being queer means freedom: moving and exploring oneself, being authentic as life changes."

Satisfaction screens at BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on March 22 and 23. Tickets are available now.