Get Real is a 1998 British romantic comedy-drama film directed by Simon Shore, based on the play What's Wrong with Angry? by screenwriter Patrick Wilde. The plot centres the coming of age of a gay teen while growing up in rural Britain during the Cool Britannia era of the late 1990s. The film was shot and set in and around Basingstoke, England. Get Real has since become a cult classic among fans of queer cinema. Plot Steven Carter (Ben Silverstone) is a 16-year-old middle-class schoolboy who is intelligent and good-looking, but un-athletic and introverted. Bullied at school and misunderstood at home, his only confidante is his fat neighbour and best friend, Linda (Charlotte Brittain). Keeping his sexual orientation hidden from everyone else, he cruises in public toilets. He is surprised to find the school jock, John Dixon (Brad Gorton) also cruising, but John denies that he is gay. At a school dance, Steven gains a friend after he comforts Jessica (Stacy Hart), following her argument with her boyfriend, Kevin (Tim Harris), who is also his bully. When he returns home, John follows him and confides about his own sexual orientation. They start a relationship. Word around the school spreads about someone being gay, and John fears that Steven has been telling people. In order to maintain his status, John beats up Steven in front of his friends. Steven announces in front of assembly that he is gay, and looks to John for support, who ignores him. John apologizes for beating him up and says he loves him, but as he is too afraid to come out, Steven breaks up with him, wishing him happiness. Cast Ben Silverstone as Steven Carter Brad Gorton as John Dixon Charlotte Brittain as Linda Jacquetta May as Steven's Mother David Lumsden as Steven's Father Richard Hawley as English Teacher Martin Milman as Headmaster Stacy Hart as Jessica Kate McEnery as Wendy Patrick Nielsen as Mark Tim Harris as Kevin Grainger James D. White as Dave James Perkins as Young Steve Nicholas Hunter as Young Mark Steven Mason as Cruising Man Morgan Jones as Linda's Brother Ian Brimble as John's Father Judy Buxton as John's Mother David Elliot as Glen Charlotte Hanson as Glen's Wife Louise J. Taylor as Christina Lindmann Steven Elder as Bob the Driving Instructor Leonie Thomas as Aunt at Wedding David Paul West as Bridegroom Andy Rashleigh as Policeman Production Get Real