Queer Romance Blooms in Welsh Fishing Village

Barry Ward, known for 'The Bad Sisters,' stars as Jack in Helen Walsh's new film, 'On The Sea.' Set in a Welsh fishing village, the movie tells the story of Jack, a mussel harvester who develops romantic feelings for Daniel, a younger itinerant worker. Ward, who is 55, portrays a character whose life is disrupted by awakening desires he has long suppressed.

Ward suggests the film's Welsh setting is symbolic, representing traditional working-class towns globally with strong macho cultures. He noted similarities to the works of French writer Édouard Louis. Both Ward and co-star Lorne MacFadyen highlighted the challenge of sparse dialogue and the need to convey emotion through subtext, a common theme in macho environments where open expression of sexuality can be difficult.

MacFadyen, 36, who hails from a Scottish fishing community, connected with the film's depiction of a close-knit but potentially restrictive village. He praised Walsh's restrained writing and the collaborative team. The film is scheduled for release in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday, July 25, 2026.