BFI Flare 2026 – Madfabulous ★★★★

Released: 5 June 2026

Director: Celyn Jones

Starring: Callum Scott Howells, Ruby Stokes, Rupert Everett

‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken’. Drowning in the riches and supposed pleasures of high society as you’re forced to live up to the lofty expectations of those who’ve gone before you. It hardly screams an environment that enables you to break from tradition and stand out from the crowd, with ‘keeping up appearances’ very much the status quo.  

What is the true price for committing to this lavish lifestyle as you challenge gender and societal norms?  

In a time where there is a growing fear modern society is sadly regressing in fully embracing ‘otherness’. The deep affection in which director Celyn Jones’ ‘Madfabulous’ paints this visually lush portrait of the enigmatic Henry Cyril Paget, is a much-welcomed delight to behold.  

Transporting us back to 1890’s North Wales, Paget (Callum Scott Howells) arrives on these shores from France to a wealth of fanfare, parading in a bejewelled burgundy number that immediately prompts inquisition from the ruling classes they must now acclimatise to. Set to claim his inheritance and be bestowed the title of the Fifth Marquess of Anglesey, Henry displays great enthusiasm in carving out his own trailblazing path amidst long-standing conservatism.  

Allies in this pursuit are mild-mannered butler Gelert (Rupert Everett) and the increasingly wild abandon of their first cousin Lily (Ruby Stokes), whose blossoming relationship with Henry provides a much-needed safety net from the scheming intentions of a weaselly Neville (Louis Hynes), an uptight Lady Chetwynd (Louise Brealey) and dark heart of Lord Penrhyn (Paul Rhys).  

Henry’s burgeoning penchant for theatricality also wins many a local over, utilising their respective skillsets to defiantly bring their lively photoshoots/productions to life. But as the night terrors persist and pressure mounts to live up to their increasingly distant father, with a namedrop of a jailed Oscar Wilde for ‘similar debauchery’ doing little to deter. Does Henry possess the emotional tools to know when to bring the curtain down on such frivolities?  

For a story that could get so bogged down in the tedious drama of family fortunes. Director Celyn Jones quite rightly puts self-worth at the heart of ‘Madfabulous’, never resorting to fierce skewering or judgment of Henry’s riotous antics. Sure, there may have been a hint of recklessness in chasing applause from time to time. Yet the emphasis placed on highlighting their underlying generosity (an initial meet with their adopted daughter particularly gorgeous) is what creates the most noise here.  

Hardly a figure for half-measures. ‘Madfabulous’ doesn’t skimp on the extravagance of its fascinating subject either, sweeping us up in the lavish landscape of Ynys Mon whilst curating a series of to-die-for androgynous looks that are full of intention, consistently framed as a cause for celebration. None more so than in a beautifully executed dance sequence, as Henry works a while silk dress with all their might in a display of true authenticity, refusing to let ailing health and growing opposition diminish their spirit. 

Callum Scott Howells is simply irresistible in the lead role here, infusing Henry Cyril Paget with boundless charisma and charm that leaves you giddy amidst their highs, and full of empathy as the frustrating lows rise to the surface. Quietly creeping up in the emotional stakes is a terrific Rupert Everett as Gelert, whose outpourings of wisdom especially in their latter moments with Callum’s Henry almost feel like a changing of the guard, inspiring another to escape the clutches of conventionality and spread their wings. Ruby Stokes meanwhile makes for a compelling foil to Henry as Lily, whom is unafraid to challenge the societal pressures around her as well as Paget’s occasionally rash decision making, rooted in a profound love for them.

Living up to its title. ‘Madfabulous’ is a glorious romp that will ‘butterfly dance’ into many a viewer’s heart.