In a sea of cinematic offerings, “Madfabulous” emerges as a bold exploration of individuality and excess, anchored by the tawdry yet captivating narrative surrounding the First Marquess of Anglesea, Henry Paget. With his remarkable versatility, Rupert Everett embodies Gelert, Henry’s devoted butler, in a role that promises to showcase not just his acting prowess but the essence of loyalty entwined with tragedy. The film, making its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, brims with potential as it depicts the extravagant life of a man who blurred the lines of societal norms and personal expression.
The Compelling Story of Gelert
What truly elevates “Madfabulous” is its inspiration drawn from a 13th-century cautionary tale. Gelert, named after the loyal dog, serves as a poignant reminder of love, betrayal, and the consequences of misjudgments in life—a theme that resonates powerfully through the film’s narrative arc. Lisa Baker, the film’s writer and a proud local of Anglesea, shared that Rupert Everett was drawn to this poignant storyline, declaring, “If my character can tell the tale of Gelert in the film, I’d love to do this part.” This link not only depicts the depth of Rupert’s engagement with the character but also emphasizes a deeper motif that runs parallel to Henry Paget’s eccentric existence: the struggle for truth amidst chaos.
Callum Scott Howells: A Rising Star
At the film’s forefront, Callum Scott Howells breathes life into Henry Paget, a character molded by whims and flamboyance. Baker’s description of Howells as embodying Paget’s spirit encapsulates a young actor on the brink of stardom. Known for his role as the Emcee in the West End’s “Cabaret,” Howells is poised to make an unforgettable impact, weaving humor and pathos into his portrayal. Baker added that with his charming presence and resembling a youthful Freddie Mercury, his performance will undoubtedly leave audiences spellbound. It seems that “Madfabulous” is not just a story about historical figures, but a narrative about human connection, forgetting societal expectations in favor of genuine expression.
A Stellar Ensemble and Creative Team
The ensemble cast of “Madfabulous” further enhances the film’s potential to captivate. From comedic brilliance embodied by Siobhán McSweeney to the charming allure of Ruby Stokes, the characters promise to create a rich tapestry of interactions that highlight the absurdity and beauty of the 19th-century elite.
Director Celyn Jones deserves remarkable praise for orchestrating this timely piece, which sits comfortably among the British film highlights at Cannes’s GREAT8 showcase. The film has been bolstered by support from various institutions including the BFI and the British Council. Jones’s direction appears to steer the ship through turbulent waters of historical eccentricity and emotional depth, ensuring that audiences will not only view the film but feel it in their very cores.
The Power of Eccentricity
At its core, “Madfabulous” champions eccentricity as a form of rebellion and exploration. Henry Paget, in all his bizarre flamboyance, mirrors a society that often punishes deviation from the norm. As Baker describes Paget’s love for the unconventional—his lavish soirées, gender-defying costumes, and overt defiance of societal rules—the film becomes a boisterous celebration of the human spirit wrestling with conformity. In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, celebrating characters like Paget feels not only refreshing but necessary.
It’s clear that through the performances, direction, and thematic undercurrents, “Madfabulous” aims to break through the mundane aspects of everyday life and shine a light on the beautiful chaos that is being unique. Rupert Everett’s compelling performance as Gelert may well resonate long after the credits roll, reminding audiences that love and loyalty, even when framed by tragedy, remain timeless facets of the human experience.