Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice may seem an unlikely source of inspiration for a contemporary queer rom-com set on Fire Island, but Hulu’s Fire Island has successfully taken elements from Austen’s work to explore the complex social dynamics within the queer community. The film, which earned an Emmy nomination for best TV movie, stars Joel Kim Booster as Noah and Bowen Yang as Howie, two friends on a vacation to the iconic LGBTQ+ enclave. Directed by Andrew Ahn, Fire Island delves into themes of class, attraction, and chosen family, much like Austen’s novel.
Ahn initially joined the project when it was still being developed as a show for Quibi, a platform that struggled to find its footing in the market. The unique aspect of shooting the show vertically and horizontally posed challenges for Ahn, but when the project was reimagined as a feature film, he eagerly took on the opportunity. Moreover, the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the longing for chosen family made the story of Fire Island even more resonant for Ahn.
While Ahn was already familiar with Pride and Prejudice, having been a fan of the 2005 film adaptation directed by Joe Wright, he revisited Austen’s novel to fully immerse himself in the story’s themes and nuances. Booster’s screenplay cleverly draws parallels between Austen’s England and the contemporary gay culture of Fire Island, highlighting the Netherfield Ball as an underwear party and showcasing the importance of friendships and chosen family among the queer community.
The story of Fire Island was inspired by a real-life trip that Booster and Yang took together, and Booster had specifically written the film with the cast in mind. The focus on friendship rather than solely on romantic relationships reflects the priorities of the queer community, where chosen family plays a significant role. Ahn was touched by the fact that Booster’s desire to make the movie stemmed from wanting to spend time with Yang, highlighting the importance of connection and camaraderie within the LGBTQ+ community.
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Filming on Fire Island presented its own set of challenges, as the production team had to navigate the island’s small size and the restrictions imposed during peak season. However, the community was welcoming, and the cast and crew made the most of their time there, staying together in a house and fostering a sense of camaraderie akin to a gay summer camp. This camaraderie translated onto the screen, creating authentic chemistry among the cast.
Improvisation played a significant role in the film, with the actors adding their own one-liners and comedic moments to enhance the script. Ahn encouraged the cast to have fun with their roles, resulting in memorable lines and comedic exchanges. Their improvisation was so successful that their lines were collected and added to the film to further showcase their comedic talents.
Overall, Fire Island’s unexpected connection to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice brings a fresh perspective to the classic story, offering a relatable narrative that explores the complexities of the contemporary queer experience. This contemporary adaptation successfully captures the spirit of Austen’s work while creating a unique and entertaining film that resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences.
