Shoobs (Turner, 2025) - BFI Flare

There’s always the question on whether or not your older self could give you valuable advice or if it would just make things worse. That question is asked and perhaps answered in this new coming of age story, Shoobs. Written by Janet Etuk and directed by Lisle Turner, Shoobs had its world premiere at BFI Flare on Sunday 23rd March 2025. 

Picture the year 2005 in South London, that’s where audiences are brought into in Shoobs. Amidst a wild and messy teenage house party is Lisa (Taneetrah Porter) as she is navigating her feelings for Jada (Vigs Otite) and Blazer (Bunmi Osadolor). Navigating feelings and sexuality is hard, especially as a teenager with many others around you, but what makes things more difficult for Lisa is that she’s being advised by a mysterious figure (Janet Etuk). 

Straight into it, Etuk creates this very British, very early noughties world, making it recognizable both for the older viewers and for the younger ones as well. A creative and stylistic approach, Etuk uses big and boldness to truly bring the audience into the time period of what is now 20 years ago. The environment of the party along with the costuming and slang being used transport audiences into the world without even needing to think.

Before being introduced to her internal feelings and struggles, the audiences sees Lisa and her shadow. What is clever about how this back-and-forth is framed is how at first you are unaware of who Lisa is talking to, and it is only revealed later on. Clever. Quickly bringing audiences into Lisa’s feelings through the choices made – the actor’s portrayal, camera angles, and the spacing used. 

Below the surface level of Shoobs is an exploration into sexuality and self-identity. Led brilliantly by Taneetrah alongside Etuk, the two provide a great duo relationship with emotion sensed beneath the comedy. Being cunning and secretive, Etuk comedically slides into a close personal story of acceptance and understanding. Shoobs is an exciting and colourful short film that allows you to question how much value speaking to your younger self may provide.