I Like This Boy

Aim

A lustful girl spirals into an emotional and physical implosion after an obsessive crush on a boy who doesn't know she exists.

Daphne, a 19 year old, is in love with a boy in her class, constantly writing and drawing him in her journal. She convinces herself she is with this perfect boy but this quickly crumbles into self-destruction when her ideal love life becomes a delusional nightmare.

This is a story about obsession, fantasy and self-destruction. Both with the idea of someone but also of an idealised version of yourself - something that is not tangible, leading to living in a fictitious world. This film explores the relationship between your loved ones and yourself, with a theme of battling your own mind. A reflection with our inner self and how far we will go for the people we love, and for those who we admire from afar. 

I Like This Boy is about human complexity and bending morality and reality to get what you want, even if it ends in destruction.

I Like This Boy follows a surrealistic aesthetic, highlighting Daphne’s dreamlike and delusional state contradicting her harsh and dark reality. The film’s visual style will utilise entrancing camera shots and movement to mimic the character’s mental state as she progressively gets worse. These techniques are inspired by the works of Zulawski’s Possession (1981) and Aronofsky’s Black Swan (2010), helping us to build the protagonist’s fanciful world alongside the emotional portrayal. 

The surrealistic visuals and heavily contrasting worlds of fiction versus reality are key to building a theatrical feel. By the end of the film, the protagonist, Daphne, eventually breaks the fourth wall, forcing us to confront her as well as ourselves. This is done through an original song that Daphne performs to herself and the audience. The musical element of the production enhances the surrealistic, theatrical atmosphere.

The main colour scheme is pink, red and black. The colours link to the mental state of the protagonist and bring the audience along on Daphne’s journey. Baby pink signifies our character in a delusional state as she believes she is in love. This pink slowly transitions into the more prominent colour of red in the second act, accented by rich blood with scenes of body horror, showing Daphne's frustration with herself. By the third act, black becomes the main colour, showing her broken reality and creating a void like feeling for the protagonist and the audience. 

Daphne is the protagonist of the film, with the story world based in her delusional and obsessive mind. She believes she is deeply in love with The Boy and fantasises about him, shown through the musical elements when she sings and dances about/with him. Her journal is her escape and lifeline; a place where she explores her obsession. This innocent fantasy builds into a dark reality as she descends into self-destruction. Her emotional mindset is explored with body horror elements as her character is unable to process these emotions, allowing them to spill into physical, tangible elements that she can manipulate and touch. 

Daphne's relationship with Leo, her best friend, joins the spiralling destruction as she can no longer maintain a sense of normality. At the start, Daphne is shown to be a hopeless romantic who just wants to feel loved. By the end, her self inflicted delusions end up destroying her.

Leo is Daphne’s best friend, who has oppressed deeper feelings for her. Leo is the anchor for Daphne’s reality, and provides a grounded perspective for the audience, viewing Daphne from a devastating outsider angle. As Daphne's breakdown progresses, their relationship fades away. Leo is caring but struggles to understand or support Daphne's disintegrating mind. With this, she is tragically faced with abandoning their once bountiful friendship. 

Everyone wants to be loved, whether that be romantic or platonic, and this story explores how some are desperate for that validation. With increasing pressures to act or look a certain way to be accepted, this can lead to self destruction. In today’s world there is a constant awareness for individuals to compare themselves to others around them and be self-critical to a damaging extent. This film deals with the dark side of parasocial relationships and a constant need for validation.  

Parasocial relationships are more common in today’s society due to social media and a dependency on internet personas. Constant access to the internet can enable unhealthy, problematic behaviours such as stalking. This has also risen due to social media offering a sense of companionship during the COVID pandemic. In May 2024, more than 1,080 people from Britain and the US were asked how they perceived one-sided “parasocial relationships”, with 52% of people saying they have a strong parasocial relationship (BBC News). 

According to Young Minds Mental Health Charity, those aged between 20-25 are particularly concerned about insecurities as they navigate adulthood, with 88% feeling they have to look or act a certain way to fit in. Such high standards impact young people’s mental health, leading to questioning their own self worth. This influences how they understand their own identity.

This film delves into these issues showcased through the protagonist, Daphne. For some individuals, sadness represents a comfort zone, a familiar emotional state that they’ve grown accustomed to over time. Daphne’s imaginary parasocial relationship has become her comfort zone, after holding onto the sense of security it provides her, with no chance of rejection and a constant yearning for something intangible. 

Creating this fanciful world of obsession and destruction comes with a range of creative and logistical challenges for the crew. We need your support to help us bring Daphne’s obsessions to reality. Every donation pushes us a step closer to achieving our goals, from hiring talented cast to execute the emotional requirements of the characters, to funding our plans for imaginative set design or simply feeding our hard-working crew!

We appreciate not everyone is able to donate financially to the project. Any support on our social media channels (like, comment, share!) means the world. You can find us at ilikethisboy_bfs on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok! Here you will also find exciting behind the scenes content about the project. 

To fulfil the creative potential of 'I Like This Boy', we need your help. Here you can see our projected budget allocations (pretty in pink!). 

Daphne's world can only be built with a strong consideration of every department, whether it's purchasing high quality prosthetics for our body horror scenes, or caring for our passionate cast and crew- every penny matters. 

We massively appreciate every contribution!

Alongside our Crowdfunder campaign, our hardworking crew is planning some big, exciting fundraising events to help push us forward in our goal. More information and ticket sales coming soon. You can keep in the loop by following our Instagram, @ilikethisboy_bfs.

'Dress to Obsess' is a masquerade ball being held in a seafront hotel ballroom in Bournemouth, encouraging people to put their creativity to the test - a celebration of expressionism and fashion! (6th December).

'**** the Genre' is a multi-genre concert being held in a popular bar venue in Bournemouth town centre - bound to be a night full of talent, dancing and life. (24th January).

Now... time to meet the obsessive people behind 'I Like This Boy'!

Alex has worked on numerous projects, both within AUB and beyond, typically in the sound realm. She understands the importance of sound to tell a story but also the value of emotive visuals, which she will further explore as the director. Keen on writing from a younger age, Alex explores themes in stories with a hidden depth. She finds layered, complex films to be more intriguing; films which lead us to question more about ourselves. Alex believes 'I Like This Boy' will do exactly that. 

“I Like This Boy holds a special place in my heart as I’ve been working on the script for nearly two years now and I’m eager to make it come to life. Thankfully, I have a strong crew to make this happen. The story is something personal to me but also for many around us. The emotional portrayal of someone who is desperate to feel love is what will shine in this film, with emotions that cut deep for everyone watching. There is a part of me in each character but also a part of you. You are part of this story as much as all the crew and cast involved.”

Paula has worked on multiple projects both inside and outside of University, typically writing/directing but also enjoying and developing skills within the production department. She and Alex have worked on endless films together, all of which have had similar themes to ‘I Like This Boy’. Paula specialises in creating offbeat, unique and memorable films which cause intrigue and emotional reactions with audiences. She is beyond excited for the challenges ILTB has to offer, working hard to create the delusional reality of the film.

"After reading the incredible script, I couldn’t stop thinking about this film. The themes of body horror, the female experience and experimental visual techniques enticed me to begin work on this project. I’m excited to help bring the story to life, working hard to provide the tools for the team to create the obsessive, delusional world of our protagonist, Daphne, for you to explore and enjoy."

George has worked on a range of different projects at AUB from sci-fi to horror, from experimental to fiction and everything in between. His work is done largely in the production department with roles of Producer and 1st AD being his specialties. George has worked with Alex and Paula extensively in the past on personal projects and university projects, always pushing films through the production cycle with sheer determination and tenacity. 

'I Like this Boy' stood out to George as an extremely strong graduation film contender from the first time he heard about it, being enticed in by the topic of para-social relationships as well as the large horror focus, bringing to the table conversations that need to be spoken about more in society.

“I Like This Boy strikes a very good middle ground between aspects of social dread and physical pain that at its least can be relatable to peoples every day lives, and at worst depicts a tale that has happened many times in day to day lives, with people becoming so obsessed with others that they lose sight of their own lives. After speaking with Alex about the story, I knew I had to get my foot in the door. This crew is so driven and headstrong in what they want from the production, which will allow the details you see on the screen to soar. Daphne’s tale is both an entertaining story and a cautionary tale.”

Sabrina has worked on a multitude of films both as a cinematographer and a director. She first started getting into filmmaking, and storytelling in general, through making comic books as a child and this practice has carried on into university as she storyboarded almost every film she has worked on and will be storyboarding the full ‘I Like This Boy’ short.

She is known by her peers for having a gritty and dark style as evident by her favourite genre of films being psychological thrillers like ‘Se7en’ and ‘Memories of Murder’, making her a perfect fit for this film. Her favourite cinematographer is the late Noboru Shinoda which she will draw heavy inspiration from in this twisted psychological horror.

“I’ve always held the mantra that if you’re not experimenting with anything new then there is no point in doing it and, after reading the script, ‘I Like This Boy’ has so much room for experimentation and I’m super stoked to show everyone this insane film!”

Bella has worked on a variety of film projects throughout university, developing a strong foundation in cinematography and lighting design. She was drawn to film for the power it has to tell stories visually, using light and the camera to evoke emotions and reveal layers of character.

“I Like This Boy fascinates me because of the creative ways lighting is being used to shape the story and deepen the characters. I’m genuinely excited to explore lighting choices that reveal Daphne’s inner world and enhance the film’s intensity. I can’t wait to bring this vision to life!”

AJ has a variety of experience in Production Design including set building/dressing and prop making. He’s worked on multiple productions both within and outside of AUB. One previous project, entitled ‘Dead Body’, was also of the horror genre and has starred at multiple festivals. AJ enjoys focusing on design details to reflect character and stir emotions. Fake blood is something he’s partial to specialising in which will be featuring in this film.

“I Like This Boy stood out to me as a film that had a lot to say and a lot of creative details that I look forward to translating onto screen. Daphne is a complex character and I hope to reflect all sides of her through the art direction.”

Riana has quite the craft in Production Design. Growing up designing spaces in The Sims, she now develops her skills further and designs worlds for film characters. Translating the script to screen, she has worked on many AUB films in her time at university. She still explores all aspects that Production Design has to offer, but she enjoys the practical, hands on nature of this creative field. 

“The moment I read the script, I knew I wanted to work on this film. It is a strong, powerful idea that everyone can relate to in some way. Daphne is such an interesting character who goes through an emotional journey, facing her struggles. Understanding her style and creating a world for her will be fun and with all the help from the Art Department, Makeup and Costume we will bring the idea alive to the screen.”

While studying at AUB, Youran participated in several productions as a sound recorder and mixer, continuing to practise and improve her professional skills. She has worked with Alex many times before and looks forward to working with her again on 'I Like This Boy'. 

“After reading the script, I anticipated the entire film's sound design. I recognised that several scenes depend heavily on post-production sound design to facilitate mood transitions and establish the desired atmosphere. I hope to make the whole film more perfect through sound so that people can better feel the mood and atmosphere the film wants to express.”

Jennifer has worked on several productions whilst studying at AUB, varying in genre. Before university, she joined Screen South for the Kent BFI Film Academy for work experience, in which she explored the roles of editing and production design. Alongside this, Jennifer is also skilled in mediums of photography and graphic design. Jennifer has always been drawn into the area of editing, whether it would be film or print-based, she finds joy in the creative process of shaping a film's unique identity, using expressive techniques and artistic vision to bring out its distinct personality and emotional depth.

“I Like This Boy stood out from the others for its distinctive genre and storyline. I knew this was the film I’d love to work on as it offered something new and exciting beyond what I’ve worked on before. Once reading the script and learning the inspirations behind the concept, I was obsessed. The film delves into themes I’m already passionate about, and I'm excited to explore a new aspect with the musical element it offers. This film allows me to advance my skills further within my editing, and working with such a talented crew makes it more inspiring."

A writer and editor, Eva has worked on films from various genres and does not believe in being restricted. Being a music producer and songwriter, she has a special fondness for projects that centralise a music element of some kind, such as ‘I Like This Boy.’ From her perspective, the best projects are those that display complex character relationships and emotions. That it is character which drives the narrative.

“I was drawn to the project for its passionate crew and the script’s exploration of the darker side of femininity. I’m particularly excited for the creative liberties the script offers when it comes to bending reality. It will make for a wonderfully captivating edit and viewing experience.”

Rey specialises in producing at AUB where he discovered his strengths and preferences for 1st ADing. An avid storyteller, Rey frequently engages in varied forms of narrative through all mediums. Finding creative ways to communicate a narrative to an audience is what fuels their drive for film and media. He is enthused to assist in bringing the story of 'I Like This Boy' to life, with as much passion and vibrancy as they can muster.

"I strive to only make films that spark a light within me, a dream, and a desire, and hearing the concept of 'I Like This Boy' did that. Employing experimental techniques and elements of horror to tell a story of loneliness and vulnerability through a lens of obsession, culminating with a descent into madness...working on ILTB was an opportunity I simply couldn't miss out on."

Whilst studying at AUB, Emily has worked as both a hair and makeup designer on several projects, and has a passion for visual storytelling through the medium. Initially inspired to train as a makeup artist through a long time affection towards many popular fantasy and science-fiction classics such as Star Trek, Emily is passionate about producing media and characters that an audience can get lost in, and as such now specialises in bringing more obscure elements of hair and makeup to screen. 

“I am really excited to work with such an amazing crew to bring to life these intricate characters! Working on ‘I Like This Boy’ will be an amazing opportunity to collaborate further through BFS and develop my skills! I’m especially excited to look at the practical effects that I can use to develop the body horror elements of this film whilst keeping true to each character's own personality.”

Megan is in her final year of Design for Costume and Performance. Having worked on a variety of exciting theatrical projects, this is one of Megan’s first experiences working behind the scenes on film. 

“As part of Bournemouth Film School, this project is highly collaborative and I’m excited to work with Alex, Paula, George, and the rest of the crew on ‘I Like This Boy’. I’m looking forward to using costume design as a way to aid the characters’ emotional journeys, and to explore this genre of film further.”

Charlie is a 3rd year Design for Costume and Performance student who has developed a special interest in film. She has worked on many theoretical projects at AUB and is excited to be able to bring skills, energy and life from such to this film. 

“Having the chance to work on ‘I Like This Boy’ collaboratively within BFS is such a great opportunity to further my costume skills and I’m super excited to be a part of such a passionate crew! Daphne’s obsession is something that consumes her and I’m thrilled to be able to communicate this with Costume and help build this aspect of her complex character.”

You made it to the bottom of the page! To everyone who has supported us from the start of this process to now, we want to say a big, heartfelt thank you. We can’t wait to share this story with you (and neither can Daphne…). All of us are incredibly grateful for your support, whether it’s a donation, following our journey or sharing our socials; everything brings us closer to fulfilling the ambitious, delusional world of the film. I Like This Boy would stay as a day-dream without you! Go on, start your obsession with us…

This project successfully funded on 12th December 2024