Fridae

The last time we watched an Asian lesbian film in Singapore theaters was probably Saving Face in late 2005. Since then, there were Sapphic subplots found in Asian gems like Indonesia's Love For Share, but none were wholly devoted to dyke issues.

It's no wonder then that Spider Lilies arrives amid great anticipation and excitement. Not only does the film star two of cutest and most talented ingenues today, Rainie Yang and Isabella Leong, it also won the Teddy award for Best Feature Film at this year's Berlin Film Festival. Applause, applause!

From its very first frame, the film sets out to be provocative: Rainie appears as a pouty-lipped cybersex vixen who dances sensuously for anonymous web visitors. She even strips on screen for the right price.

One day, she visits a tattoo parlour where the shy and mysterious Isabella works. Rainie wants Isabella to give her a spider-lilies tattoo - the exact same one the Isabella sports on her arm. But the latter is reluctant. Flashbacks reveal that the two may share a tragic past - one that haunts them to this day and stops them from forming meaningful relationships with other women�

Directed by Zero Zhou, an openly-lesbian documentarian and filmmaker, Spider Lilies is a drama that soars and dips. At its best, it is a genuinely tender portrayal of how difficult coming to terms with your sexuality can be. Both Rainie and Isabella give thoughtful, believable performances as young lesbians struggling to come out of the closet. What's problematic, however, is its unintended suggestion that having gay sex leads to tragic consequence - for each time Rainie and Isabella make out, something untoward happens.

All said though, Spider Lilies is a royal treat for the LGBT crowd this week. Both Rainie and Isabella are guaranteed to fire up your loins - and then some! Don't miss it.