We interview writer and director Rebecca Lenkiewicz on her upcoming MUBI release Hot Milk at London’s stunning BFI Flare Festival.
Hot Milk is one of those films that seem to divide critics from the very beginning. On one hand, it’s a movie that’s open for interpretation, full of performances from actors we adore. And on the other, it’s one that leaves you bewildered as the credits roll, wondering if it’s an unfinished film. At the heart of the story is a woman in her twenties, Sofia (Emma Mackey), who is held back by her mother Rose’s (Fiona Shaw) inability to look after herself, leaving her to put her life on hold. Rose has been struggling to walk since Sofia was four, but the reason why has never been determined. In an attempt to try and figure out why this has happened to her, Rose resorts to an expensive medical center in Spain to find the root of her problem.
Director and screenplay writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz makes her directorial debut with Hot Milk, which is adapted from Deborah Levy’s 2016 novel of the same name. Lenkiewicz spoke to us on the red carpet at the UK premiere of Hot Milk at the BFI Flare festival 2025.
Read the interview below!
Rebecca Lenkiewicz on her visual influences, directing Hot Milk, and future projects
Stylistically, were there any films you drew from when it came to making Hot Milk?
Rebecca Lenkiewicz: I suppose it’s a lifetime of watching films, you know? I sent Fear Eats the Soul to our cinematographer because I had always loved the choreography of that movie and the colours of it. But I also think that The Piano is very important to this project. Betty Blue is another one that came to mind, as it’s about female passion.
Stylistically, I think it found itself, though. There’s obviously the novel that is the base. And then the landscape, and when we were doing the recce [the crew pre-visited the filming location to figure out where to film Hot Milk. The book is set in Almeria, Spain, but the film is entirely shot in Attica, Greece] for the film and we were able to feel it all come together as a creature itself.
Has working on Hot Milk made you want to direct again?
R. L.: Yes definitely. There’s a lot more freedom with directing. With writing, you have to bite your tongue a lot. It was lovely just to be loud.
Is there anything in particular you’ve read that you want to adapt into a film?
R. L.: I actually saw a wonderful documentary about two women who were in love in a concentration camp, called Nelly and Nadine. If the rights are there, it would be amazing to make that into a feature. But that’s between just you and me! [laughs]
Rebecca Lenkiewicz on her favourite queer films
Seeing as we’re at BFI Flare, what are your favourite queer movies?
Rebecca Lenkiewicz: Well, I think Portrait of a Lady on Fire is beautiful. Close is beautiful; Blue Jean too. I think there are so many other movies like that I love. I’ve always loved Todd Haynes’ films, which are very much about outsiders.
If you could pair Hot Milk with another film for a mini movie marathon, what movie would you pick?
R. L.: I’d actually have all of those which I mentioned before playing alongside it.
Thank you for speaking with us today and congratulations on Hot Milk being distributed by MUBI!
R. L.: Oh yes, it’s really wonderful! Thank you.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Hot Milk was screened at BFI Flare on 25-29 March, 2025 and will be released in UK and Irish cinemas by Mubi on July 4, 2025. Read our BFI Flare reviews and our review of Hot Milk!
Header Credits: Vicky Krieps and Emma Mackey in a still from Hot Milk (Mubi) / Rebecca Lenkiewicz attends the red carpet of BFI Flare 2025, where this interview took place (BFI)
